The official trade between the Denver Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings, which involved Jonas Valanciunas and Dario Saric, was finally finalized.
The news, initially reported on July 1st, gained more attention following reports of interest from Panathinaikos of Greece in Valanciunas. According to sources, the Greek team was trying to convince Valanciunas to leave the NBA.
However, the Nuggets have maintained that they expect Valanciunas to fulfill his NBA contract, which has two years and approximately 20 million dollars remaining. Only next year, with a salary of 10.3 million dollars, is fully guaranteed.
Although the transfer is official, there have been no formal updates on Valanciunas’ situation.
The 6’11” veteran pivot is expected to play a crucial role as Nikola Jokic’s substitute in the Nuggets. Denver has long sought a center to help the team when Jokic is not on the court resting.
Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds for the Kings and Wizards last season, while Saric struggled to play in Denver.
Valanciunas’ NBA contract is binding and does not allow him to seek other professional opportunities unless both parties reach a termination agreement.
The Nuggets’ new directive, led by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, has been actively remodeling the team this offseason. In addition to the Valanciunas deal, Denver made a move to trade Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for forward Cameron Johnson.
The Nuggets also agreed to sign free agents Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to bolster the team around Jokic.
