Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings Trade
The official trade between the Denver Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings has finalized a significant player exchange, involving Jonas Valanciunas and Dario Saric. Initially reported by ESPN on July 1, this trade garnered increased attention following the revelation that Greek club Panathinaikos was aggressively pursuing Valanciunas, attempting to lure him away from his NBA commitments.
Despite these overtures, sources suggest that the Nuggets remain confident that Valanciunas will adhere to his existing NBA contract, which has approximately $20 million left over two years, with $10.3 million fully guaranteed for the upcoming season.
Valanciunas’ Role and Contractual Status
Although the trade has been confirmed, there has yet to be any formal announcement regarding Valanciunas’ current contractual status. The Nuggets envision the 6-foot-11 center as a crucial backup for their star player, Nikola Jokic, a position the team has sought to strengthen when Jokic is resting. Last season, Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while playing with the Kings and Wizards, contrasting with Saric, who found it challenging to secure playing time in Denver.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, Valanciunas’ contract remains obligatory, restricting him from exploring other professional basketball opportunities unless a mutual buyout agreement is established.
Nuggets’ Active Offseason
This trade represents just one aspect of the Denver Nuggets’ active offseason, led by their new executives, Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace. In addition to acquiring Valanciunas, the Nuggets also facilitated a deal sending Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected first-round pick in 2032 to the Brooklyn Nets for forward Cameron Johnson. Furthermore, they have reinforced their roster by signing free agents Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr., aiming to enhance support for Jokic going forward.
