Nuggets Acquire Valanciunas for Saric as Backup Center

The Denver Nuggets have acquired center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, aiming to bolster their frontcourt and reduce MVP Nikola Jokic's workload. Despite receiving a lucrative offer from Greek club Panathinaikos and initial uncertainty about his intentions, Valanciunas is set to honor his NBA contract and join Denver for the 2025-26 season. Head coach David Adelman plans to use Valanciunas as a 'point center' to anchor the second unit and support the team's offensive system. Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season, adding veteran presence and flexibility to the Nuggets' roster. His commitment to Denver had been questioned due to European interest, but he is now expected to contribute to the team's hopes for another championship run. Ongoing speculation remains regarding his long-term future with the franchise as training camp draws near.