It’s likely that at least partly explains why the Denver Nuggets have communicated to Jonas Valanciunas representatives that they strongly anticipate the center sticking to his current deal. Beyond the numbers, the staff is intent on having Valanciunas play out the two years remaining on his deal. They are durable, despite the last year being nonguaranteed. Valanciunas will make $10.3 million in the final season of his current deal. He still has $10 million more to spend the entire season after that.
Last season, Valanciunas was able to display his talents with the Sacramento Kings and the Washington Wizards. He averaged a stellar 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. His electric play has turned him into perhaps the most pursued player in the transfer portal. The Nuggets are looking to strengthen their depth at center so they can better rest star player Nikola Jokic.
The blockbuster Valanciunas trade from Sacramento to Denver is still waiting on official confirmation. It has triggered a tidal wave of excitement and enthusiasm in the basketball community. The Nuggets have been looking for a player of Valanciunas’ ilk since acquiring him in their quest to better balance the team’s improved overall chemistry. The front office, spearheaded by Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace, has been focused on retooling the team during this offseason to ensure they remain competitive.
Besides the Nuggets, Valanciunas has attracted interest from Greece’s Panathinaikos, a sign of his value on an international scale. For their part, the Nuggets have been very explicit. They are not planning on cutting him loose from his last two years on the contract.
This is a four-team trade. As part of the deal, the Brooklyn Nets will get an unprotected first-round pick from the 2032 draft. Cameron Johnson on the Nuggets’ side should add even more appeal this interesting, multi-team trade.
As the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, Valanciunas is expected to play a pivotal role within the team’s plans. His all-round ability to make an impact on both sides of the court makes him fit very well with the Nuggets direction of strong front line.
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