Nuggets Finalize Valanciunas-Saric Trade Amid Euro League Tensions

The Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings have officially completed a trade involving veteran big men Jonas Valanciunas and Dario Saric, finalizing a move that had been anticipated since July 1. While the transaction adds needed depth to Denver’s frontcourt, it comes with off-court intrigue, as Valanciunas remains the subject of strong interest from EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos.

The Greek club has reportedly been pursuing Valanciunas aggressively in recent weeks, raising questions about the 6-foot-11 center’s commitment to his NBA future. Despite the European interest, the Nuggets expect the Lithuanian to honour the two-year, $20 million contract he is currently bound to, only the upcoming season is fully guaranteed at $10.3 million.

For now, Denver remains firm. “We expect Jonas to report and play a key role for us this season,” a team source told ESPN. No formal update has been issued on whether Valanciunas will pursue a buyout or remain committed to the Nuggets’ roster.

Valanciunas, 32, is expected to back up reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, a role Denver has long struggled to fill with consistency. In a combined season with the Kings and Wizards, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game, steady numbers that suggest he can anchor the second unit when Jokic rests.

Dario Saric, heading to Sacramento in the exchange, never found his footing in Denver’s rotation and struggled to make an impact on the floor. For both players, the move represents a reset.

The Valanciunas deal is just one piece of Denver’s busy offseason under its new front office leadership of Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. The Nuggets have already made waves by trading Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for versatile forward Cameron Johnson.

Additionally, Denver has agreed to terms with free agents Bruce Brown, returning after a one-year stint in Indiana, and veteran sharpshooter Tim Hardaway Jr., in a clear push to reinforce its supporting cast around Jokic.

While Valanciunas’ international flirtation lingers as a storyline, Denver’s offseason strategy is becoming increasingly clear: load up on depth and stability to support their MVP centerpiece and chase another title. Whether Valanciunas remains part of that vision depends on whether European temptation gives way to NBA obligations.