After dealing away star point guard De’Aaron Fox, the Sacramento Kings made several impactful moves that not only reshaped their roster but also positioned them to remain competitive. The headline of the Fox trade was the acquisition of two-time All-Star Zach LaVine, but other under-the-radar moves proved just as important.
One of the most notable came at the trade deadline, when the Kings addressed their frontcourt needs by landing top star from the Washington Wizards. In exchange, Sacramento sent Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks—a strong value for a proven veteran.
He made an immediate impact, providing a physical interior presence and veteran leadership. In just 16.9 minutes per game over 32 appearances with the Kings, he averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds, playing a key role in stabilizing the frontcourt during the playoff push.
His future with the Kings remains uncertain heading into the offseason, but even at 33, he continues to be a highly effective backup big man. His production and experience made him a valuable midseason addition, and he could draw interest from multiple teams once again.
Reflecting on the trade that brought him to Sacramento, Valančiūnas shared that several other teams were in the mix before the Kings finalized the deal.
“I found out I was going to Domas \[Sabonis],” Valančiūnas said. “There were other teams in the mix — some new potential destinations. But there wasn’t much talk about Domas and Sacramento. Denver came up, Phoenix too — things were unclear there with Nurkić. San Antonio was also in the picture.”
While the Kings ultimately secured his services, it’s clear there was a broader market for the veteran center. Whether Sacramento brings him back or not, Valančiūnas has proven he still has plenty to offer—and he may once again be a sought-after name in free agency.
Jonas Valančiūnas also shared the personal moment when he learned he had been traded to Sacramento—a story that highlights just how sudden these moves can feel for players.
“I remember I was in New York, we were getting ready to play Brooklyn,” Valančiūnas recalled. “I woke up from my afternoon nap and saw that my agent had called me three times, left a few messages, and even Domas had called. I called my agent first, then called Domas back, and that’s how I found out I was headed to Sacramento.”
Acquiring Valančiūnas turned out to be one of the smartest deadline moves the Kings could have made. Pairing him with fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis not only strengthened team chemistry but gave Sacramento a dependable and physical presence off the bench. Alongside players like Jake LaRavia, who also stepped up late in the season, Valančiūnas played a key role in the Kings’ push toward contention.
With both players proving their value, it’s likely the Kings will explore every option to retain them this offseason as they continue building a playoff-caliber roster.