Nuggets Affirm Valanciunass Role as Key Backup Amid Trade Developments

The Denver Nuggets are committed to having Jonas Valanciunas fulfill his contract.

The 33-year-old Lithuanian center has been made aware of the team’s intentions, with the Nuggets viewing him as a significant asset for the 2025-26 season, serving as a crucial backup to Serbian star Nikola Jokic, as reported by ESPN’s senior NBA insider Shams Charania on Sunday.

Amid interest from Panathinaikos Aktor, Valanciunas recently traveled to Greece to meet with the team.

His contract is guaranteed for the 2025-26 season, valued at around $10 million, and it also features a team option worth $10 million for the 2026-27 season.

With the NBA moratorium having ended, his trade from the Sacramento Kings is anticipated to be formally announced, especially in light of the Nuggets’ current strategy.

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