The Denver Nuggets are actively strengthening their roster for the upcoming season, focusing on providing more support for star player Nikola Jokic. Recently, the team reportedly finalized a deal to acquire veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
Valanciunas, 33, adds essential depth to the Nuggets’ front court. He offers an additional big presence that could either relieve Jokic of some responsibilities or create a formidable duo for the Nuggets when playing a larger lineup. In the previous season, Valanciunas appeared in 81 games, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds while primarily coming off the bench and starting in just 21 of those games.
With a contract that extends for two more seasons at $10 million per year, Valanciunas strengthens the Nuggets’ financial strategy while being a reliable contributor. His contract was part of a three-year, $30 million extension signed in a sign-and-trade deal with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024.
The Nuggets have been proactive in the off-season, making several notable moves. In addition to acquiring Valanciunas, they traded for Cam Johnson and re-signed Bruce Brown on a one-year contract, which has allowed the team to manage their salary cap effectively. These adjustments position the Nuggets to enhance their performance after a challenging playoff exit against the Oklahoma City Thunder, where they lost in a Game 7 in the second round despite being the No. 4 seed.
Dario Saric, the player traded to the Kings, had a limited role last season, averaging just 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in around 13 minutes of gameplay. Saric is entering the final year of his contract, worth $10 million over two seasons, and will earn $5.4 million next season with the Kings.
Overall, these strategic moves reflect the Nuggets’ determination to optimize their lineup and improve upon last season’s playoff outcome. The addition of Valanciunas not only bolsters their front court but also aims to provide Jokic with the support he needs to lead the team further in the playoffs.
Hope remains high for the Nuggets and their fans as they seek to build a more competitive roster around their superstar.