The Jonas Valnciunas trade between the Nuggets and Kings has taken several twists and turns already, and now it appears this saga may just be getting started. JV has no desire to play in Denver, and is currently in Greece, visiting with EuroLeague team, Panathanaikos, as they hope to sign him to a three-year deal.
The problem for the club and for Valanciunas is that he’s still under contract with his NBA team, and without a buyout, he won’t be able to play in Europe this season. The situation is even more complicated now as Jonas is involved in a trade that was agreed upon, but can’t be made official until Sunday.
The Nuggets are going ahead with their trade for Jonas Valančiūnas on Sunday and remain determined to keep the veteran big man they hope to install as their backup to Nikola Jokić … despite Valančiūnas’ offer from Greek giants Panathinaikos, league sources tell @TheSteinLine. https://t.co/JV0ClVGcq7 pic.twitter.com/lSro8E0G6R
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2025
Moving Saric is a win for Nuggets regardless of Valanciunas situation
The Nuggets could have chosen to cancel the trade, given these new developments, but the deal is slated to go through as planned. Frankly, the Nuggets should be thrilled to get off of Saric’s contract even if Valanciunas never steps foot in Denver.
Shedding that deal without giving up an asset is a major win. Obviously, it would be even better if they get a solid veteran backup center in Valanciunas, but even dumping Saric for nothing would be a very solid move for the front office.
Nuggets may not agree to buyout
At least so far, the Nuggets are holding steady on their position with Valanciunas. They’ll inherit his contract on Sunday, and still aim to convince him to play for Denver next season. JV is due $10.4 million and would walk into a cushy situation, backing up the best player in the league for a team with championship aspirations.
It’s a solid pitch, and one Jonas will hopefully agree to. But if he doesn’t, he may not have much recourse anyway. The Nuggets can simply refuse to buy out his deal, forcing his hand to an extent. They risk upsetting Valanciunas and making the situation uncomfortable, but so what?
JV is a pro, and he signed a contract. The Nuggets are now on the hook for that contract, and they would like to pay him to fulfill his end of the bargain, playing NBA basketball. He doesn’t have to be happy about it, but he can be a good professional and realize this can be a very mutually beneficial agreement.
Disgruntled Valanciunas still best option at backup center
Sure, the Nuggets risk alienating Valanciunas, but even if he’s unhappy, he’s likely the best option at backup center. If they buy him out, they could use the MLE to chase Al Horford, but if Al signs elsewhere, the market for big men is pretty barren. The best outcome for the Nuggets right now is clearly winning this stand-off with Valanciunas.
If they lose, they can sign someone off the scrap heap or trade for a backup. But that will require foregoing more assets or money. They can’t go into the season without another center, so if it has to be done, it has to be done. But for now, they’ve made their move, and they might as well wait to see how it plays out, even if things get a bit uncomfortable.