Kings Send Valanciunas to Nuggets in Exchange for Saric
The Sacramento Kings have finalized a trade with the Denver Nuggets, sending center Jonas Valanciunas in exchange for Dario Saric, according to sources close to the situation.
Valanciunas, who has two years and approximately 20 million dollars remaining on his contract, arrives at the Nuggets hoping to reinforce the interior game.
The Kings acquired Valanciunas at last season’s trade deadline, where he participated in 32 games, averaging 8.7 points and seven rebounds in 16.9 minutes per game.
The Nuggets, looking for a capable backup for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, hope that Valanciunas, a 13-year veteran, will fulfill that role.
Saric, for his part, did not have much participation in Denver and struggled when he played, averaging 3.5 points with less than 40% field goal effectiveness. His contract, which is about to expire, gives Sacramento more flexibility for the future.
This move adds to an active preseason for Denver, which has also made other transactions.
