Securing Valanciunas’ services for the next two seasons was a priority for the Pelicans, with the Lithuanian averaging 17.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 62 games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. This is a vast improvement on Valanciunas’ overall career averages of 12.9 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, and one assist during his 10 seasons split between the Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors.

Before signing his contract extension, Valanciunas was set to become an unrestricted free agent next season. His inclusion in New Orleans’ squad this season will provide a massive boost to the New Orleans’ offense, with All-Star Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson playing alongside him.

The 28-year-old center was traded to the Pelicans in August in exchange for veteran Steven Adams and others; a move that helped free up New Orleans’ salary cup so that they could secure the signature of Devonte Graham from the Charlotte Hornets.

The post Pelicans and Jonas Valanciunas Agree to Contract Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Valanciunas, who was traded to Memphis from Toronto in February in a deal that sent Marc Gasol to the Raptors, had a very strong debut in Tennessee after the trade was completed.

He averaged a double-double with 19.9 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game after switching teams mid-season. This greatly outpaced his output with Toronto on the season. The Lithuanian big man averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on the season.

After declining the $17.6 million option, Valanciunas will become a free agent. He will have the ability to test the waters as a free agent for the first time in his career. Before being traded to Memphis, the 27-year-old had spent the first 6.5 seasons of his career with the Raptors.

While Valanciunas will have the ability to sign with any team that he’d like after declining the option, reports suggest that his preference is to stay in Memphis. The Grizzlies were happy with his performance, and he would clearly be the focal point of Memphis’ roster if he is to stay there.

Now, Memphis must attempt to put together a contract offer to satisfy Valanciunas’s desires.

The post Grizzlies Center Jonas Valanciunas to Decline 2019-20 Option appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Securing Valanciunas’ services for the next two seasons was a priority for the Pelicans, with the Lithuanian averaging 17.1 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 62 games for the Memphis Grizzlies last season. This is a vast improvement on Valanciunas’ overall career averages of 12.9 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, and one assist during his 10 seasons split between the Grizzlies and the Toronto Raptors.

Before signing his contract extension, Valanciunas was set to become an unrestricted free agent next season. His inclusion in New Orleans’ squad this season will provide a massive boost to the New Orleans’ offense, with All-Star Brandon Ingram and Zion Williamson playing alongside him.

The 28-year-old center was traded to the Pelicans in August in exchange for veteran Steven Adams and others; a move that helped free up New Orleans’ salary cup so that they could secure the signature of Devonte Graham from the Charlotte Hornets.

The post Pelicans and Jonas Valanciunas Agree to Contract Extension appeared first on yoursportspot.com.

Valanciunas, who was traded to Memphis from Toronto in February in a deal that sent Marc Gasol to the Raptors, had a very strong debut in Tennessee after the trade was completed.

He averaged a double-double with 19.9 points per game and 10.7 rebounds per game after switching teams mid-season. This greatly outpaced his output with Toronto on the season. The Lithuanian big man averaged 12.8 points and 7.2 rebounds per game on the season.

After declining the $17.6 million option, Valanciunas will become a free agent. He will have the ability to test the waters as a free agent for the first time in his career. Before being traded to Memphis, the 27-year-old had spent the first 6.5 seasons of his career with the Raptors.

While Valanciunas will have the ability to sign with any team that he’d like after declining the option, reports suggest that his preference is to stay in Memphis. The Grizzlies were happy with his performance, and he would clearly be the focal point of Memphis’ roster if he is to stay there.

Now, Memphis must attempt to put together a contract offer to satisfy Valanciunas’s desires.

The post Grizzlies Center Jonas Valanciunas to Decline 2019-20 Option appeared first on yoursportspot.com.