The Nuggets held an introductory press conference for Cam Johnson on Friday, but questions about another new addition to the team stole the headlines. Newly promoted executive, Ben Tenzer, was asked about the bizarre Jonas Valnaicunas situation, and he exhibited poise and confidence, expressing that he has no concerns about JV coming to training camp, that they’ve had great conversations about him joining the Nuggets
Tenzer even added that Jonas is excited to be a Nugget and they’ve had healthy talks about him honoring his contract in Denver. It would still be nice to hear it directly from Val, and we won’t truly be sure what’s what until we see the Lithuanian big man at training camp, but these comments certainly ease some tensions.
Denver Nuggets executive Ben Tenzer on Jonas Valanciunas: “We’ve had great conversations with him, and there’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget.”
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 18, 2025
Tenzer added he has “no concerns” on Valanciunas for camp. pic.twitter.com/jIx8HzGEE2
Valanciunas was slated to join Greek club
The Nuggets traded for Valanciunas weeks ago, sending Dario Saric to Sacramento in exchange for the 33-year-old. But rumors arose almost immediately after the deal was reported that Valanciunas wanted to leave the NBA and play for the Greek club, Panathanaikos, in the EuroLeague.
Valanciunas even traveled to Athens and met with the club, where they supposedly had an agreement in place on a three-year deal. But Jonas still had one more guaranteed season on his NBA contract, and the team that acquired him, the Nuggets, had no intention of letting him out of that deal.
Without NBA clearance, there was no way for Valanciunas to join a club in Europe, so he was essentially stuck. It was unclear how this saga was going to play out, and despite the contract, it seemed like a bad idea to force a player to be in Denver against their will.
Valanciunas should play vital role for Nuggets
But now, at least as far as the Nuggets’ front office is concerned, things have been sorted out, and Valanciunas is expected to show up to work. If he’s actually “excited” to play for the Nuggets, that’s excellent news, as his services are much needed.
JV will be the best backup center that Nikola Jokic has had in ages and should do wonders for the bench unit. Denver now has some options between Valanciunas and rookie Daron Holmes II, who has been dazzling at summer league.
The two bench bigs can provide a nice yin and yang; they’re both good passers and rebounders, with JV being more of a bruiser around the rim, while Holmes can provide some more floor spacing and athleticism. This is a great situation now for the Nuggets’ frontcourt depth. Hopefully, we can put this drama behind us and get excited for the coming season.