Bucks get Valanciunas from Orlando
"We feel we got one of the league's best centers," Bucks GM Dylan said regarding the trade. "Jonas is still incredibly young and is an enormous talent. He's a guy that we feel can be cornerstone for the Bucks franchise."
"It was crazy, to be honest. I didn't expect it," Valnciunas said regarding how he felt when he heard about the trade. "After the shock I was very happy. I'm very excited to be a Buck and I'm excited to get to work with the talent we have here."
Valanciunas will play alongside Bucks rookie and last year's fourth overall pick Nikola Jokic, a guy the Bucks organization and many throughout the CSL believe has all-star potential. Suddenly, the Bucks have built themselves one of the most feared big man duo on the offensive end of the floor. There are still concerns on the defensive end, however, as Jokic has a ton of growing to do on that end of the floor. Defense hasn't exactly been Valanciunas' strongest point thus far in his career, either.
"You know, I don't think that's as big of a problem as some will make it out to be," Dylan said on the big men's defensive concerns. "Nik has a lot of defensive upside that we feel will come as he grows as a person and a player, and Jonas is a bit of an underrated defender. He's so big and is a good shot blocker, that we think he's a good rim protector and will be able to anchor our defense."
The Bucks parted with young forward Giannis Antetokounmpo in the trade to acquire Valanciunas. "We thank Giannis for everything he's done in his young career with the Bucks. He's been a pro's pro and played his heart out every second for our franchise. We wish him all the best going forward in what is sure to be a fantastic career."
Antetokounmpo averaged 9.8 points, 4.2 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 51 games for the Bucks, including 49 starts.
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