URGENT UPDATE: The Denver Nuggets confirm that center Jonas Valanciunas is set to join the team for the upcoming NBA season. This announcement comes after the official trade with the Sacramento Kings was completed over the weekend, swapping Valanciunas for Dario Saric.
Valanciunas, a 6-foot-11 veteran, is anticipated to provide crucial support to superstar Nikola Jokic, who averaged an exhaustive 36.7 minutes per game last season. Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer addressed concerns during a press conference on September 15, 2023, stating, “There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget.”
Despite speculation that the Greek EuroLeague club Panathinaikos was pursuing him, Tenzer assured fans that Valanciunas is committed to the Nuggets, putting to rest any doubts about his future in the NBA. “No concerns,” Tenzer confirmed when asked about Valanciunas’ status.
This trade is a significant move following a season where the Nuggets faced a tough Game 7 loss to the reigning champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Nuggets’ front office, led by Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, has actively reshaped the roster this offseason, also acquiring Cam Johnson in exchange for key player Michael Porter Jr., who played a pivotal role in their championship run in 2023.
Valanciunas, 33, is coming off a season where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2 assists over 81 games split between Washington and Sacramento. The Nuggets are counting on him to alleviate some of the pressure on Jokic, allowing the star center to rest during games.
“Their plan is for him to get here sooner than later, but still working through that,” Wallace mentioned regarding Valanciunas, who is expected to participate in FIBA EuroBasket for Lithuania this summer. The team is even considering sending someone to Europe to facilitate his transition.
As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, Valanciunas’ addition is seen as a strategic boost, ensuring that they remain competitive in the Western Conference. Fans are eager to see how this new lineup will perform when the NBA season kicks off.
Stay tuned for further updates as the Denver Nuggets prepare for what promises to be an exciting season ahead!
