The Denver Nuggets have officially confirmed the trade that sends center Jonas Valanciunas to Denver in exchange for forward Dario Saric. This deal had been anticipated since July 1, 2023, when it was initially reported by ESPN. The trade gained additional attention following news that Greek club Panathinaikos was aggressively pursuing Valanciunas, seeking to bring him back to Europe.
Despite the interest from Panathinaikos, the Nuggets remain confident that Valanciunas will honor his current NBA contract, which has two years and approximately $20 million remaining. Notably, only the upcoming season, where he is set to earn $10.3 million, is fully guaranteed. ESPN’s Bobby Marks highlights that Valanciunas’ contract is binding, preventing him from exploring other professional opportunities unless a buyout is mutually agreed upon.
Valanciunas, a 6-foot-11 veteran, is expected to play a crucial role as a backup to Nikola Jokic, enhancing the Nuggets’ roster depth. Denver has long sought a reliable center to support Jokic during his rest periods. Last season, while playing for the Kings and Wizards, Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, providing valuable experience and skill to the team.
The Nuggets’ front office, led by executives Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, has been actively reshaping the roster this offseason. In addition to acquiring Valanciunas, Denver has also traded Michael Porter Jr. along with an unprotected first-round pick in 2032 to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cameron Johnson. This strategic move aims to bolster the team’s competitiveness as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Further reinforcing their lineup, the Nuggets have signed free agents Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.. These additions are intended to provide Jokic with enhanced support, as the franchise looks to improve its standings in the competitive Western Conference.
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the Nuggets are positioning themselves as a formidable contender, with a focus on building a strong supporting cast around their star center. The changes reflect a proactive approach by the organization, emphasizing both immediate impact and long-term potential.
