Last Updated:July 20, 2025, 17:29 IST
The Nuggets expect Valanciunas to join their roster despite EuroLeague interest. Acquired from the Sacramento Kings, Valanciunas is seen as a key addition to support Jokic.
Valanciunas is expected to come in as a backup for Jokic (X)
A contingency plan to sign a backup center for Nikola Jokic appears to be off the table.
The Denver Nuggets fully expect newly acquired big man Jonas Valanciunas to be part of their roster when the upcoming NBA season begins, despite recent speculation surrounding his future in the league.
Trade Official Amid Overseas Interest
Denver finalized a trade with the Sacramento Kings last weekend, acquiring the 6-foot-11 Valanciunas in exchange for veteran forward Dario Saric. However, leading up to the announcement, reports surfaced linking Valanciunas to EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos, raising questions about his commitment to remaining in the NBA.
Adding to the confusion was the fact that Valanciunas still has two years and more than $20 million remaining on his current NBA contract.
Nuggets Leadership Confident in Commitment
Speaking during a Friday news conference introducing new signing Cam Johnson, Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer moved to shut down speculation.
“There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer said of Valanciunas.
When asked directly if there were any concerns about the veteran center potentially not joining the team, Tenzer was firm: “No concerns.”
Final Piece of a Productive Offseason
The acquisition of the 33-year-old Valanciunas caps off what has been a busy and effective offseason for Denver’s front-office duo of Tenzer and general manager Jonathan Wallace, who have reshaped the roster in preparation for another title push.
Tenzer confirmed that discussions with Valanciunas have been positive. The Lithuanian big man is scheduled to compete in FIBA EuroBasket this summer, and the Nuggets are closely monitoring his schedule.
Valanciunas split last season between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists across 81 games.
Denver is counting on Valanciunas to provide meaningful minutes behind Jokic, who shouldered a heavy load last season.
(with AP inputs)
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term…Read More
After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term… Read More
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