NBA insider Marc Stein expressed confidence that Jonas Valanciunas will soon join the Denver Nuggets despite interest from Panathinaikos. Speaking on DNVR Sports, Stein detailed the complex negotiations surrounding the veteran center.
Valanciunas is currently represented by Excel Sports in the United States and also has a Lithuanian agent. According to Stein, it was the Lithuanian representative who engaged in serious talks with Panathinaikos, a Greek EuroLeague powerhouse, without Denver’s knowledge.
“There were talks that the Nuggets were not aware of that Valanciunas had really strong interest,” Stein said. He added that it’s unclear how much even Excel Sports knew about the discussions with Panathinaikos.
The Nuggets and Sacramento Kings already agreed on a trade that would send Dario Saric to Sacramento in exchange for Valanciunas. Both players are represented by Excel Sports, and Denver has maintained a strong working relationship with the agency.
Stein pointed out that the European media continues to report Panathinaikos’ confidence in signing Valanciunas. “I saw the Panathinaikos owner this week saying that Jonas wants to be here,” he noted, but stressed, “We need to hear that from Valanciunas.”
The deal between Denver and Sacramento is expected to be finalized shortly. Stein reported that July 12 marked the first day the trade could officially be processed by the league because the Nuggets had to complete another transaction involving Michael Porter Jr. first.
“As I understand it, the Michael Porter Jr. deal had to be all the way finished… before the Nuggets could proceed to this trade because of sequencing reasons,” Stein explained.
Despite the noise from Greece and Lithuania, Stein believes the trade remains on track. “Valanciunas will be a Nuggets player,” he said. “Both sides are operating as if the trade is going to get done. I really don’t expect otherwise.”
The Lithuanian big man, 33, averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, splitting time between Washington and Sacramento. While Panathinaikos reportedly offered him a lucrative contract to lead their frontcourt, Denver envisions him as a skilled backup for Nikola Jokic.
Stein concluded by reiterating his stance that Denver has not wavered in their plans. “The Nuggets have never flinched,” he said. “They are going through with this trade.”
