Report: Former Raptor Valanciunas to opt out and become free agent

Memphis Grizzlies center Jonas Valanciunas drives against San Antonio Spurs forward Davis Bertans. (Brandon Dill/AP)

Memphis Grizzlies centre Jonas Valanciunas plans to decline a $17.6-million option on his contract for the 2019-20 season and become a free agent, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Wojnarowski added that the 27-year-old intends to negotiate a new deal with the Grizzlies.

He was sent to the club along with Delon Wright, C.J. Miles and a 2024 second-round draft pick from the Toronto Raptors in exchange for Marc Gasol at February’s NBA trade deadline.

He averaged 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds on 54.5 shooting with Memphis.

After being selected fifth overall by the Raptors in the 2011 NBA Draft, Valanciunas suited up in 470 games for the team.

More to come…

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