Kings Trade Jonas Valanciunas to Nuggets for Dario Saric

01/07/202519:32

Jonas Valanciunas Spagna Spain - Lituania FIBA Eurobasket 2022 - BERLIN - Fase ad eliminazione - Ottavi di Finale Berlino, 10/09/2022 Foto L.Canu / Ciamillo-Castoria

The Nuggets acquire a strong backup for Nikola Jokic

The Sacramento Kings have traded Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for forward Dario Saric, according to Shams Charania.

Valanciunas is under contract through 2027 on a deal worth about $20.4 million, though the final season is non-guaranteed.

Saric, on the other hand, is on an expiring deal worth about $5.4 million. It’s unclear if the Kings plan to keep him — having played just 16 games in the 2024/25 season, he could become a sought-after target in the EuroLeague if waived.

The Nuggets acquire a strong backup for Nikola Jokic, with Valanciunas coming off a season in which he averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 18 minutes per game.