Ranking the trade value of each player on the Toronto Raptors

Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas is a very good player with undeniable flaws. Prior to his injury JV was having a career year offensively, averaging a career-high in points, assists, and rebounds per 36 minutes. His playing time had been reduced due to a position change by Serge Ibaka. However, when on the court, Valanciunas was extremely productive.

His offensive production is still not enough to overcome his flaws.

The first flaw is his defensive limitations. Valanciunas is not able to play anything other than a deep-traditional drop in the pick-and-roll. His lack of versatility defensively makes him a liability at the highest levels.

Earlier this season, Valanciunas has had trouble staying on the court against the Milwaukee Bucks and Boston Celtics. For any team trying to compete for a title, that’s a big deal.

The second major flaw is not on the basketball court but off of it. Valanciunas is making greater than $16 million this season and will be making greater than $17 million next season (He has a $17.6 million option he is going to opt-in to). Even the biggest JV enthusiast would admit that is a overpay.

However, despite all of this, the most significant impact on JV’s trade value is the position he plays. The trade market is currently flooded with centers. In a couple of weeks, the buyout market will also have players available. As the small-ball era takes over the league, team’s don’t need centers. They need two-way wings.

Very few contending teams need a center. If they did, there are plenty of other cheaper options available.