Career Timeline of Jonas Valančiūnas: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jonas Valančiūnas made an impact.

Jonas Valančiūnas is a Lithuanian professional basketball player currently playing for the Sacramento Kings in the NBA. Drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2011, he has also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, and Washington Wizards. He is a prominent figure in Lithuanian basketball and has had a successful NBA career thus far.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Wins Gold and MVP at FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship

In 2008, Jonas Valančiūnas debuted for Lithuania's junior national team at the FIBA Europe Under-16 Championship in Italy. He averaged 14.3 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks, leading his team to win gold and earning the MVP award.

2008: Started Playing Professionally

In 2008, Valančiūnas started playing professionally for Perlas.

January 2009: Signed with Lietuvos Rytas

In January 2009, Valančiūnas signed a long-term contract with Lietuvos Rytas, but remained with Perlas, Lietuvos Rytas' daughter club, for the first half of the 2009–10 season.

2009: Named MVP of European Under-18 All-Star Game

In the summer of 2009, Jonas Valančiūnas participated in the European Under-18 All-Star Game during EuroBasket 2009 in Poland. He scored 18 points, grabbed 19 rebounds, blocked three shots and was named the MVP of the All-Star game.

January 2010: Moved to Lietuvos Rytas

In January 2010, Valančiūnas finally moved to Lietuvos Rytas.

2010: Leads Lithuania to Gold in FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship

In 2010, Jonas Valančiūnas led Lithuania to win gold at the FIBA Europe Under-18 Championship held in Lithuania. Valančiūnas averaged 19.4 points, 13.4 rebounds and 2.7 blocks, and was voted as the MVP.

2010: LKL All-Star Game Participation

In 2010, Valančiūnas participated in the LKL All-Star Game.

June 2011: Drafted by Toronto Raptors

On 23 June 2011, Valančiūnas was drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA draft.

August 2011: Debuts with Lithuania's Senior National Team

On August 6, 2011, Jonas Valančiūnas debuted with Lithuania's senior men's national basketball team. In his debut match against Czech Republic, he scored 26 points and grabbed 11 rebounds.

2011: Leads Lithuania to Gold in FIBA Under-19 World Cup

In 2011, Jonas Valančiūnas led Lithuania to capture the gold medal in the FIBA Under-19 World Cup in Latvia. He averaged 23.0 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.2 blocks and was named the tournament MVP.

2011: Drafted by the Toronto Raptors

In 2011, Jonas Valančiūnas was selected by the Toronto Raptors with the fifth overall pick in the NBA draft.

2011: LKL Finals Appearance

In 2011, Valančiūnas played in the LKL Finals with Lietuvos Rytas, losing to Žalgiris 1–4.

July 2012: Signed with the Raptors

On 18 July 2012, Valančiūnas signed with the Toronto Raptors.

October 2012: NBA Debut

On 31 October 2012, Valančiūnas made his NBA debut against the Indiana Pacers, recording 12 points and 10 rebounds.

2012: Qualifies for 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament

After helping Lithuania claim fifth spot at EuroBasket 2011, Valančiūnas helped the team qualify for the 2012 FIBA World Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

2012: LKL Finals Appearance

In 2012, Valančiūnas played in the LKL Finals with Lietuvos Rytas, losing to Žalgiris 0–3.

2013: Wins silver medal at EuroBasket 2013

In 2013, Jonas Valančiūnas won a silver medal at the EuroBasket 2013 tournament.

2014: Leads Lithuania to fourth place in 2014 FIBA World Cup

In the 2014 FIBA World Cup, Jonas Valančiūnas led the Lithuanian squad, which finished in fourth place.

August 2015: Contract Extension with Raptors

On 20 August 2015, Valančiūnas signed a four-year, $64 million contract extension with the Raptors.

2015: Named to All-Tournament Team at EuroBasket 2015

Jonas Valančiūnas was one of the tournament's best players at EuroBasket 2015, and was chosen to the All-Tournament Team after averaging 16 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. The Lithuanian team won their second consecutive silver medal at the competition.

March 2016: Helped Raptors to 50-Win Season

On 30 March 2016, Valančiūnas helped the Raptors record a 50-win season for the first time in franchise history.

May 2017: Establishes the Jonas Valančiūnas Foundation

In May 2017, Jonas Valančiūnas established his own charity foundation, the Jonas Valančiūnas Foundation. It is a non-profit organization with an aim to help adolescents with behavioral challenges.

2017: Competes in EuroBasket 2017

In 2017, Jonas Valančiūnas competed for the Lithuanian national basketball team at the EuroBasket 2017 tournament, where the team finished 9th overall. Valančiūnas averaged 15.8 points and 12 rebounds.

August 2018: Foundation opens "Išvien" day home

On August 2018, Jonas Valančiūnas' foundation opened adolescent's day home “Išvien” (United).

February 2019: Traded to Memphis Grizzlies

On 7 February 2019, Valančiūnas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

July 2019: Signed with Grizzlies

On 11 July 2019, Valančiūnas signed a three-year contract with the Grizzlies.

2019: Represents Lithuania at 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup

In 2019, Jonas Valančiūnas represented the national team at the 2019 FIBA Basketball World Cup where Lithuania finished 9th overall. Valančiūnas led his team in total points and rebounds, averaging 14.0 points and 8.8 rebounds.

August 2021: Traded to New Orleans Pelicans

On 7 August 2021, Valančiūnas was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans.

2022: Draft Pick

On 7 August 2021, Valančiūnas was traded to the New Orleans Pelicans for a 2022 protected first-round pick.

2023: Named to All-FIBA World Cup Second Team

In 2023, Jonas Valančiūnas represented Lithuania at the 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup where Lithuania finished 6th overall. In recognition of his individual play, Valančiūnas was named to the All-FIBA World Cup Second Team.

July 2024: Signs with Washington Wizards

In July 2024, Jonas Valančiūnas signed a three-year, $30 million contract with the Washington Wizards through a sign-and-trade agreement. New Orleans received a 2027 protected second-round pick in return.

2024: Future Draft Pick

On 7 February 2019, Valančiūnas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies along with a 2024 second-round draft pick.

February 2025: Traded to Sacramento Kings

In February 2025, Jonas Valančiūnas was traded to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for two second-round draft picks (2028, 2029) and forward Sidy Cissoko.