Entering the 2025 offseason, acquiring a viable backup big man was a must for the Denver Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is more than capable of doing it all at the center position for the 2023 NBA champions. Still, there was no question the three-time MVP would welcome frontcourt help during the 2025-26 campaign.
On July 1, the Nuggets elected to trade Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for 6-foot-11 center Jonas Valanciunas. The trade became official on Sunday.
"Welcome to Denver, Jonas,” the Nuggets wrote on X/Twitter.
However, the Nuggets still face an unfortunate dilemma in mid-July. Valanciunas has expressed interest in heading overseas to join Panathinaikos B.C., which competes in the EuroLeague and Greek Basket League.
Although ESPN’s Shams Charania previously reported that the Nuggets expect Valanciunas to honor his contract (he’s set to make $10.3 million next year and $10 million the following year), the veteran has yet to announce his commitment to the Jokic-led Western Conference franchise.
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Hypothetically, the Nuggets could buy Valanciunas out if they have no desire to keep a miserable asset on their roster, but how would that help the franchise?
While the former lottery pick is far from stardom in the big leagues, he’s a reliable 33-year-old center with clean low-post footwork, solid pick-and-roll skills, and adequate rebounding chops.
Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds with the Kings and Washington Wizards last season, shooting 55% from the field in 81 contests.
The sooner Denver gets the Valanciunas situation resolved, the better.
More NBA: Lakers officially sign former No. 1 overall pick as Anthony Davis' replacement