The Denver Nuggets are set to complete a trade for veteran center Jonas Valanciunas as soon as this weekend, NBA insider Marc Stein reported Friday on X.
Denver will acquire Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward Dario Saric, giving the Western Conference contenders a reliable backup to Nikola Jokic. The deal has been delayed slightly to allow the Nuggets to finalize all aspects of their separate Michael Porter Jr. transaction first, according to Stein.
Valanciunas, 33, is guaranteed $10.4 million for the 2025–26 season and is under contract through 2026–27, though Denver has not yet guaranteed the final year of that deal. He averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds last season in a reserve role split between the Washington Wizards and Kings.
The Lithuanian big man brings 12 seasons of NBA experience, along with career averages of 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds, which Denver hopes will strengthen its second unit heading into another postseason push.
While the trade appears imminent, Valanciunas has also drawn serious interest from Panathinaikos in Greece. He met with club officials in Athens over the weekend to discuss a proposed three-year deal worth nearly €12 million, sources confirmed.
Panathinaikos sees Valanciunas as a potential cornerstone of its frontcourt as it aims to reclaim the EuroLeague crown.
Despite the European interest, the Nuggets retain his NBA rights once the trade is finalized and can decide whether to keep him on the roster or allow him to explore the Panathinaikos offer.
Denver sees Valanciunas playing significant minutes behind Jokic, providing the three-time MVP more rest.
