NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
DENVER (AP) — Plans to recruit a backup center to support Nikola Jokic seem unnecessary now.
The Denver Nuggets anticipate that Jonas Valančiūnas will join the team at the start of the season, despite ongoing speculation regarding his future in the NBA.
The trade that brought the 6-foot-11 Valančiūnas from Sacramento in exchange for Dario Saric was finalized over the weekend. Prior to this, there were reports suggesting Valančiūnas was being pursued by the Greek EuroLeague club, Panathinaikos. This situation has created some uncertainty, especially considering that he has two years left on his NBA contract worth over $20 million.
During a press conference intended to introduce Cam Johnson, Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer sought to alleviate any concerns about Valančiūnas’ commitment to the team.
“There have been nothing but healthy discussions about him fulfilling his contract and he’s excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer stated regarding Valančiūnas.
So, are there any worries about Valančiūnas starting the season with the Nuggets?
“No worries,” Tenzer affirmed.
First look at the fresh threads 👀 pic.twitter.com/xUdlrzrH4f
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 18, 2025
The acquisition of 33-year-old Valančiūnas seems to cap off a successful offseason during which the team’s front office, led by Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace, has revamped the roster following a Game 7 defeat to NBA champions Oklahoma City in the second round.
Additionally, the Nuggets secured Johnson in a trade that sent Michael Porter Jr., a vital part of their 2023 championship run, to Brooklyn. They also brought in Bruce Brown, a member of the championship team, along with shooting guard/small forward Tim Hardaway Jr. Tenzer remarked that discussions with Valančiūnas have been productive, especially since he is set to represent Lithuania at the FIBA EuroBasket this summer. It’s possible a Nuggets representative may even travel to see him play.
“The goal is for him to arrive sooner rather than later, but we are still working through that,” Wallace elaborated. “We’ll handle it as the situation unfolds.”
