The Denver Nuggets have officially completed a trade, sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas . The move, finalized on July 13, gives Denver a veteran big man to support Nikola Jokic. Although Valanciunas was recently linked to a possible move to Greece, the Nuggets expect him to stay and fulfill his NBA contract for the upcoming season.
Jonas Valanciunas’ Panathinaikos links raised questions during trade talksOn Sunday, July 13, the Denver Nuggets made the Saric-Valanciunas trade official, a move that first came to light through ESPN on July 1. Dario Saric, the Croatian forward, had a rough go in Denver, playing just 16 games and putting up averages of 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Valanciunas joins the team with a strong resume, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season with the Kings and Wizards.
Still, the acquisition had its bumps. During the deal, rumors popped up about a €12 million, three-year offer from Greece’s Panathinaikos. Valanciunas even went through medical tests in Athens, sparking talk that he could head to Europe. However, Denver stood firm: they expect him to stick to his NBA contract, which guarantees $10.3 million for 2025-26 and includes a $10 million team option for 2026-27.
Denver has been on the lookout for a dependable backup for three-time MVP Nikola Jokić all offseason. The front office, with Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace at the helm, has made some bold moves—signing Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. Valanciunas, who stands at 6‑11 and has a career average of about 10 points and 9 rebounds, brings the toughness and experience that Denver needs. Last season, he played 81 games and averaged 10.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG in around 19 minutes—pretty solid stats for a guy in the rotation.
The European subplot keeps going. Should Valanciunas choose Panathinaikos, he’ll have to secure a buyout and get clearance from the Nuggets who still hold his rights under NBA and FIBA guidelines. The offer from Greece would provide him with approximately €4.3 million annually after taxes well above his NBA net income, which is about $4.5–5 million post-tax.
Also Read: NBA 2K26 Summer League champions to earn custom rings as tradition continues for fourth straight year
Still, Denver has made it clear they consider him a vital asset: a real center both in the literal sense and in terms of strategy for playoff ambitions.
Jonas Valanciunas’ Panathinaikos links raised questions during trade talksOn Sunday, July 13, the Denver Nuggets made the Saric-Valanciunas trade official, a move that first came to light through ESPN on July 1. Dario Saric, the Croatian forward, had a rough go in Denver, playing just 16 games and putting up averages of 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Valanciunas joins the team with a strong resume, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season with the Kings and Wizards.
Still, the acquisition had its bumps. During the deal, rumors popped up about a €12 million, three-year offer from Greece’s Panathinaikos. Valanciunas even went through medical tests in Athens, sparking talk that he could head to Europe. However, Denver stood firm: they expect him to stick to his NBA contract, which guarantees $10.3 million for 2025-26 and includes a $10 million team option for 2026-27.
The Sacramento Kings have officially announced the trade sending Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dario Saric. pic.twitter.com/5yvbqENzyR
— Jason Anderson (@JandersonSacBee) July 14, 2025
Denver has been on the lookout for a dependable backup for three-time MVP Nikola Jokić all offseason. The front office, with Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace at the helm, has made some bold moves—signing Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. Valanciunas, who stands at 6‑11 and has a career average of about 10 points and 9 rebounds, brings the toughness and experience that Denver needs. Last season, he played 81 games and averaged 10.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG in around 19 minutes—pretty solid stats for a guy in the rotation.
The European subplot keeps going. Should Valanciunas choose Panathinaikos, he’ll have to secure a buyout and get clearance from the Nuggets who still hold his rights under NBA and FIBA guidelines. The offer from Greece would provide him with approximately €4.3 million annually after taxes well above his NBA net income, which is about $4.5–5 million post-tax.
Also Read: NBA 2K26 Summer League champions to earn custom rings as tradition continues for fourth straight year
Still, Denver has made it clear they consider him a vital asset: a real center both in the literal sense and in terms of strategy for playoff ambitions.
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