OFFICIAL: Nuggets Complete Valanciunas Acquisition, But European Exit Remains Hot Topic
Denver Nuggets have officially completed their trade acquisition of veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, but the Lithuanian big man’s future remains uncertain as European opportunities continue to lure him away from the NBA.
Trade Becomes Official Amid Uncertainty
The Nuggets formally announced the completion of their trade sending Dario Saric to Sacramento in exchange for the 6-foot-11 center Valanciunas on Sunday1. The deal, which was first reported on July 1st, had been in limbo for nearly two weeks due to complications surrounding Valanciunas’ potential departure to Europe2.
“Welcome to Denver, Jonas,” the Nuggets wrote on their official social media channels, confirming the trade that cost them only Saric’s $5.4 million expiring contract for a proven backup center1.
Panathinaikos Offer Creates Complications
The trade’s delayed finalization stems from Panathinaikos Athens presenting Valanciunas with a lucrative three-year contract worth €12 million (approximately $36 million total)3. The Greek EuroLeague powerhouse’s offer represents significantly more guaranteed money than his current NBA deal, which includes a $10.4 million salary for 2025-26 and a non-guaranteed $10 million for 2026-274.
League sources confirm that the possibility of returning to Europe holds “strong appeal” for the 33-year-old Lithuanian center3. However, any move to Greece would require Valanciunas to negotiate a buyout with Denver, as he remains under NBA contract and cannot unilaterally decide to play overseas2.
Nuggets’ Firm Stance
Despite the European interest, Denver has made their position clear: Valanciunas is expected to honor his contract and suit up for the Nuggets next season4. The organization views the veteran center as a critical addition to provide reliable depth behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic2.
According to reports, the Nuggets have informed Valanciunas and his representatives that they have no intention of granting him an early exit, even with strong interest from Panathinaikos4. The team had maintained interest in acquiring Valanciunas for several years and sees him as essential to their championship aspirations2.
Resolution Timeline
NBA insiders suggest that a final resolution could come within the next couple of days5. Denver sports reporter Ryan Blackburn offered his prediction: “I think he [Valanciunas] plays for the Nuggets this year and then goes overseas next year”5.
ESPN’s Marc Stein echoed similar sentiments, stating: “I think he’s going to be a Nugget, I really do. I really don’t expect otherwise”5.
Strategic Value for Denver
The acquisition represents exceptional value for the Nuggets, who secured a proven veteran center for minimal cost. Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 18.9 minutes per game last season while splitting time between Washington and Sacramento6.
Key Benefits for Denver:
- Experienced backup behind Nikola Jokic
- Playoff-tested veteran with championship experience
- Cost-effective solution to frontcourt depth needs
- Immediate impact player ready for rotation minutes
Contract Implications
Valanciunas’ current deal structure provides some leverage for both sides. His 2025-26 salary is fully guaranteed at $10.4 million, while the following season carries a non-guaranteed $10 million option4. This setup means any potential buyout would need to address the guaranteed money for the upcoming season.
The Nuggets’ acquisition also helped them create financial flexibility by moving Saric’s contract, though they now face the challenge of convincing their new center to embrace his role in Denver rather than pursue European opportunities7.
European Basketball Appeal
For Valanciunas, the Panathinaikos offer represents more than just financial considerations. The opportunity to play closer to his Lithuanian homeland and compete in the prestigious EuroLeague holds significant personal appeal3. At 33 years old, this could represent his final chance to return to European basketball at the highest level.
The veteran center hasn’t played professional basketball outside the NBA since 2012, when he left Lithuania to join the Toronto Raptors8. A move to Greece would mark the end of his 13-year NBA career, during which he has appeared in 937 games and averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds6.
Looking Ahead
While the trade is now official, the situation remains fluid as discussions between Valanciunas and the Nuggets continue3. The organization’s championship window with their current core creates urgency to retain the veteran center, while Valanciunas weighs his options for what could be the final chapter of his professional career.
The resolution of this situation will have significant implications for Denver’s frontcourt depth and their pursuit of another NBA championship. With training camp approaching, both sides face mounting pressure to reach a definitive agreement on Valanciunas’ future.