Latest news with #DarioSaric
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Denver Nuggets finalize trade of Dario Saric to Sacramento Kings to acquire Jonas Valanciunas
(Image Source - Getty Images) The Denver Nuggets have officially completed a trade, sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas. The move, finalized on July 13, gives Denver a veteran big man to support Nikola Jokic. Although Valanciunas was recently linked to a possible move to Greece, the Nuggets expect him to stay and fulfill his NBA contract for the upcoming season. Jonas Valanciunas' Panathinaikos links raised questions during trade talks On Sunday, July 13, the Denver Nuggets made the Saric-Valanciunas trade official, a move that first came to light through ESPN on July 1. Dario Saric, the Croatian forward, had a rough go in Denver, playing just 16 games and putting up averages of 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game. Meanwhile, Valanciunas joins the team with a strong resume, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists last season with the Kings and Wizards. Still, the acquisition had its bumps. During the deal, rumors popped up about a €12 million, three-year offer from Greece's Panathinaikos. Valanciunas even went through medical tests in Athens, sparking talk that he could head to Europe. However, Denver stood firm: they expect him to stick to his NBA contract, which guarantees $10.3 million for 2025-26 and includes a $10 million team option for 2026-27. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giá vàng đang tăng mạnh trong năm 2025 — Các nhà giao dịch thông minh đã tham gia IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Denver has been on the lookout for a dependable backup for three-time MVP Nikola Jokić all offseason. The front office, with Ben Tenzer and Jon Wallace at the helm, has made some bold moves—signing Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr., and trading Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson. Valanciunas, who stands at 6‑11 and has a career average of about 10 points and 9 rebounds, brings the toughness and experience that Denver needs. Last season, he played 81 games and averaged 10.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, and 2.0 APG in around 19 minutes—pretty solid stats for a guy in the rotation. The European subplot keeps going. Should Valanciunas choose Panathinaikos, he'll have to secure a buyout and get clearance from the Nuggets who still hold his rights under NBA and FIBA guidelines. The offer from Greece would provide him with approximately €4.3 million annually after taxes well above his NBA net income, which is about $4.5–5 million post-tax. Also Read: NBA 2K26 Summer League champions to earn custom rings as tradition continues for fourth straight year Still, Denver has made it clear they consider him a vital asset: a real center both in the literal sense and in terms of strategy for playoff ambitions. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here . Catch Manika Batra's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 3. Watch Here!
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nuggets pushing forward with Jonas Valanciunas trade with Kings
The post Nuggets pushing forward with Jonas Valanciunas trade with Kings appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Denver Nuggets look set to move ahead with their trade for the Sacramento Kings' Jonas Valanciunas despite firm interest in him from EuroLeague's Panathinaikos. Advertisement The Lithuanian center was in Greece earlier this weekend to meet team officials despite being under contract with the Kings. Valanciunas is not allowed to sign with the EuroLeague team unless he is released from his NBA contract. However, the Nuggets will acquire him in a swap for Dario Saric and hope to convince Valanciunas to stay in the NBA as a backup to Nikola Jokic, per Marc Stein of The Stein Line. Earlier, Panathinaikos officials had claimed that there will be an official reception for Valanciunas in the coming days in Greece. 'In about 10 days we will be here again,' a Panathinaikos spokesperson said, hinting at a celebratory reception at Athens' Eleftherios Venizelos Airport which would be attended by 'thousands of friends,' per HoopsHype. Advertisement Valanciunas has agreed to a three-year, $12 million contract with Panathinaikos. However, the Nuggets intend to move ahead with the trade in a situation that is akin to how Sasha Vezenkov's transfer to Olympiacos played out last year in July. However, unlike the Toronto Raptors, who were willing to let Vezenkov return to Europe, the Nuggets seem intent on trying to keep Valanciunas. Valanciunas will enter the second year of a three-year, $30 million contract he signed as part of a sign-and-trade with the Washington Wizards, and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026-27 season. The 33-year-old center was drafted fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft. In his 937 games in the NBA thus far, he has averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds, almost a double-double. He averaged 10.3 points and 7.6 rebounds per game last season, playing 81 times combined for the Wizards and the Kings. The Nuggets view the veteran as a capable backup to Jokic and seem intent on keeping him. However, Valanciunas may have already played his last game in the NBA if they fail to do so. Related: Nuggets rumors: 1 'obvious' reason Denver wants to block Jonas Valanciunas' Greece move Related: The move Denver Nuggets still must make in 2025 NBA free agency
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonas Valanciunas trade grades for Nuggets, Kings
The post Jonas Valanciunas trade grades for Nuggets, Kings appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Denver Nuggets entered the 2025 NBA offseason with one goal. MVP runner-up Nikola Jokic was in desperate need of depth in the Western Conference playoffs. After Denver traded for Cameron Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, the Nuggets became a team to watch. General manager Ben Tenzer swung a trade with the Sacramento Kings one day later, landing Jonas Valanciunas. Advertisement The move sees Valanciunas and Dario Saric swapping teams, giving Jokic the backup he needs. Throughout his career, the two-time MVP's on-off numbers are some of the worst in league history. Valanciunas is a 13-year veteran who can step in and help keep the Nuggets afloat when their leader rests. The center has two years left on his deal, costing Denver around $20 million in total. Saric, on the other hand, joins Sacramento on an expiring deal. The move opens up cap space for the Kings next summer, allowing them to pursue stars like Mikal Bridges and Trae Young. Valanciunas joins Johnson and Bruce Brown as the newest members of the Nuggets. Upon their arrival, David Adelman can comfortably go nine players deep, 10 if Denver can bring Russell Westbrook back. Here are our grades for the deal on both sides. Advertisement Denver Nuggets: B While this trade fills a need for the Nuggets, a lot of it hinges on Valanciunas' future production. After 12 seasons of averaging more than 10.0 points per game, the veteran struggled in Sacramento down the stretch of the season. While a lot of that could be attributed to playing alongside a nonshooting big in Domantas Sabonis, his production dip is worth noting. He is not the player he once was, but Denver does not need him to be. Valanciunas will have a smaller workload behind Jokic, giving him the opportunity to punish backup centers on the glass. Another plus he brings to the Nuggets is his ability to set screens. At 6'11' and 265 lbs., Valanciunas can set bone-crushing screens to free up shooters. Sacramento Kings: C+ The reason why the Kings made this trade is obvious. At this point, the question is which big-name free agent Sacramento will pursue next summer. Daric's contract will be off the books at that point, but the 2026 NBA free-agent class is not a very deep one. Young and Bridges are two of the bigger names, but both are likely to stay with their team. Advertisement The Kings have stolen free agents from other teams in the past, but none of them were big names. With a team led by Sabonis, Zach LaVine, and DeMar DeRozan, Sacramento has one last season to try and figure things out in the Western Conference. Even with all of the money they will have at their disposal next summer, it means nothing if they don't have a plan. Related: Why the Nuggets are massive 2025 NBA free agency winners Related: Tim Hardaway Jr. becomes latest key Nuggets free agency addition
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonas Valanciunas' immediate Nuggets future in jeopardy amid EuroLeague move
The post Jonas Valanciunas' immediate Nuggets future in jeopardy amid EuroLeague move appeared first on ClutchPoints. Jonas Valanciunas' NBA career may be coming to a close, casting doubt on his short-term future with the Denver Nuggets. Advertisement According to BasketNews reporters Donatas Urbonas and Karolis Tiškevičius, the 33-year-old Lithuanian center is 'close' to accepting a lucrative three-year offer from EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens. The deal is reportedly worth nearly EUR 12 million, or approximately USD 12.9 million. Valanciunas, who was recently traded to the Nuggets from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for veteran forward Dario Saric, has played 13 seasons in the NBA. The report from BasketNews suggests that Valanciunas is seriously weighing a return to Europe, where his professional career began before joining the NBA in 2012. 'BasketNews sources indicate that the Lithuanian national team center was lured by Panathinaikos' three-year offer worth nearly €12 million,' the outlet reported. The Nuggets acquired Valanciunas earlier this week as part of a roster restructuring. His current NBA contract runs through the 2025–26 season with Denver set to pay him $10.4 million this year. However, the team holds a $10 million option for the 2026–27 season, giving them flexibility should he choose to remain in the NBA. Advertisement Nuggets risk losing Jonas Valanciunas shortly after trade with Kings Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports Valanciunas spent last season with both the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game across 81 appearances. In Washington, he produced 11.5 points and 8.2 rebounds in 20.1 minutes over 49 games. Following a midseason trade to Sacramento, his role diminished slightly, as he logged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in 16.9 minutes across 32 games. Over the course of his NBA career, Valanciunas has been a consistent interior presence, posting averages of 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 25 minutes per contest. He began his NBA journey with the Toronto Raptors before making stops with the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Wizards, and Kings. Advertisement Should Valanciunas finalize the deal with Panathinaikos, Denver would lose a key rotational big man shortly after acquiring him. His departure would leave the Nuggets with limited veteran depth at the center position behind Nikola Jokic, where options remain thin heading into next season. Panathinaikos recently won the 2024 EuroLeague championship and remains one of the most prestigious clubs in Europe. The addition of Valanciunas would further solidify their frontcourt and provide the Lithuanian center a prominent role outside the NBA. As of Thursday, neither the Nuggets nor Valanciunas have publicly commented on the reports. His official decision is expected in the coming days. Related: Former Rockets teammate says Yao Ming had Nikola Jokic type skills but was held back Related: Nuggets add ex-Mavericks assistant Jared Dudley to coaching staff
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nuggets continue dazzling offseason in Jonas Valanciunas trade with Kings
The post Nuggets continue dazzling offseason in Jonas Valanciunas trade with Kings appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Denver Nuggets are staying quite active in the NBA trade market. A day after dealing Michael Porter Jr., the team is trading a player once again. Denver is sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for Jonas Valanciunas, per ESPN. Advertisement The trade comes on the heels of the deal that sent Porter to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson. Saric had averaged just 3.5 points per game this past season in Denver. Valanciunas spent last year with the Kings, as well as the Washington Wizards. He averaged a little more than 10 points per game, playing at both stops. He shot better than 50 percent from the field. Nuggets are trying to get back to the NBA Finals Denver is clearly going to look very different next season. Johnson and Valanciunas join Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and others in trying to take the team back to the NBA Finals. The Nuggets lost this past season in the NBA Playoffs, to eventual champion Oklahoma City. Advertisement Saric had spent just this one season in Denver. He is now headed to his fifth team in the last four seasons. He has played for Oklahoma City, Golden State, Phoenix, Denver, and now Sacramento since 2022. Valanciunas is another well-traveled player. The Lithuanian big man is headed to his fourth team in the last three years. He played for New Orleans, Washington, Sacramento and now Denver since 2022. Valanciunas is expected to shore up some minutes for the Nuggets, when Jokic will need rest. The new additions to the team will need to help replace the minutes and production left by Porter. This past season, Porter averaged more than 18 points for Denver. He had several strong performances in the NBA Playoffs, including a 21-point performance against the Thunder in Game 3 of that series. Johnson averaged more than 18 points a game this past season for the Nets. Brooklyn also received an unprotected 2032 NBA Draft pick with Porter. Related: NBA news: Damian Lillard's agent breaks silence on stunning Bucks release Related: Best free-agent destinations for Damian Lillard after Bucks waived him
