The Golden State Warriors have been terrible in the first quarter of the 2024-2025 NBA season, though they had a hot start back in November. They’ve been out of proportion, and that may be mainly due to the fact that they lack reinforcements in the front court. Steph Curry is already 36 years old, but if they still want to win, the Warriors now have to make a strong move. Part of that move is locking their eyes on a veteran big man – Jonas Valanciunas.
Golden State Looking For Their Next Bogut
Not counting the Kevin Durant era, the last time Golden State was a legitimate contender was back when they had a serviceable center, in the name of Andrew Bogut. Although the Australian big man wasn’t as skilled as the Howards or the Cousins of that time, the 7-footer was still one of the key pieces of the Warriors’ dynasty in the 2010s.
Right now, GSW is once again going to replicate the same by looking to add another serviceable guy, someone they could rely to at least get 12 points and 10 rebounds night in and night out. After not getting any luck at taking Lauri Markkanen during the offseason, Golden State’s front office have now leaned towards another European big man, the Lithuanian star Jonas Valanciunas.
Valanciunas May Solve Golden State’s Biggest Conundrum
The veteran center has been a consistent contributor since being drafted in 2011. Through his 13 years in the NBA, Valanciunas has accrued 13.3 points and 9.4 rebounds per game. Although his numbers slightly dipped this season as a member of the Washington Wizards (11.6 PPG, 8.0 RPG), he’s undeniably a role player on any team.
He isn’t known for his defense, but he makes up for it by getting buckets and grabbing boards consistently. The Los Angeles Lakers initially wanted Valanciunas, but the Warriors have been eyeing him since August, just to solve their issues on their lack of size down low. They’ve restricted the minutes of the tenacious rebounding big man Kevon Looney and Trayce Jackson-Davis is still a raw prospect. With the Dubs looking to compete once more, Valanciunas could be the answer to their problem against the giants of the West.
Their problems became evident when they faced the Kawhi-less Los Angeles Clippers last month, where they had a tough time trying to contain a new and improved Ivica Zubac in the paint. Right then and there, it was clear they needed a center, just like Bogut’s role in 2015. Moreover, Valanciunas is only worth at least $13 million a year, which is great for a guy who can put up double-doubles every game.
But, Who Will the Warriors Sacrifice for Valanciunas?
It’s going to be a tough decision for Golden State. Aside from taking interest in Jonas Valanciunas, they’re also keeping tabs on Jimmy Butler, whom the Heat may trade before the deadline.
It will be a difficult choice, but chances are Jonathan Kuminga and Brandin Podziemski will be thrown to the trading block next month. After all, Kuminga has been in trading talks for a couple of years now, and this may be the perfect position for the Warriors now: to trade Kuminga, Podziemski, and picks for Valanciunas or Butler.
Will we see a new-look Golden State Warriors before the trade deadline in February?
