Just when the Denver Nuggets thought they`d shored up their frontcourt depth, a wrinkle has emerged that threatens to derail their plans. The recent trade sending veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings to Denver in exchange for Dario Saric was initially viewed as a shrewd move for the defending champions, securing a proven backup for MVP Nikola Jokic. However, it seems the Lithuanian big man has other ideas, potentially sparking an unexpected transatlantic dispute.
The Trade Logic (or Lack Thereof?)
From Sacramento`s perspective, the Saric-for-Valanciunas swap seemed somewhat perplexing on the surface, though it had a clear financial motive. Acquiring Saric, a player with an expiring contract and coming off injury-affected seasons, saved the Kings roughly $5 million. There`s also speculation they might try to include Saric in a package for Golden State`s Jonathan Kuminga, though this remains unconfirmed. For Sacramento, a team known for making questionable personnel decisions, this move initially felt like another head-scratcher. Perhaps, for once, they were playing 4D chess.
Denver`s reasoning, conversely, appeared straightforward and logical. Valanciunas is a significantly more impactful player than Saric. Last season, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds between Washington and Sacramento. His acquisition on a contract worth $10.3 million for the upcoming season (with the second year non-guaranteed) offered Denver a reliable, experienced center to ease the minutes burden on Jokic. Having Valanciunas as a luxury reserve would prevent the team from relying on aging veterans like DeAndre Jordan or resorting to small-ball lineups with Aaron Gordon at center when Jokic needed rest. It was, in theory, a definite upgrade.
Enter the European Suitor
But here`s where the plot thickens. Panathinaikos, the powerhouse Greek club, has reportedly tabled a substantial offer for Valanciunas: a three-year contract worth €12 million. Crucially, the Greek side isn`t offering a backup role; they`re promising a central, starring position – something Valanciunas, at this stage of his career, may prioritize over an NBA reserve spot. Reports out of Greece suggest Valanciunas has already traveled to Athens and is increasingly convinced that his future lies back in Europe, a move perhaps seen as a return to more “familiar” territory. The prospect of being a hero welcomed by passionate fans in Athens, reminiscent of the reception given to countryman Sarunas Jasikevicius years ago, likely holds significant appeal compared to being a well-compensated backup in Denver.
Denver`s Unexpected Dilemma
The Nuggets, understandably, are not keen on letting their new acquisition simply walk away. Their leverage lies in Valanciunas`s contract; to play in Europe, he would first need a release from Denver. This puts the ball, contractually speaking, firmly in the Nuggets` court. They believe they have the final say.
However, the situation is far from simple. What happens if Valanciunas simply refuses to report to Denver? While the Nuggets could, in theory, hold his rights and prevent him from playing anywhere, this scenario seems highly improbable. It would yield them nothing on the court, expose them to significant criticism on social media, and send a negative signal to other players around the league about how the organization handles player preferences. Alienating potential future free agents or trade targets is rarely a winning strategy in the NBA.
The most logical path for Denver appears to be attempting to convince Valanciunas to change his mind. This task might be beyond the standard negotiations handled by management. Perhaps it requires a more personal touch. One could humorously imagine the league`s most unique superstar, Nikola Jokic himself, stepping in. A face-to-face conversation, appealing to Valanciunas to join the quest for another NBA title, might carry more weight than any front office pitch. Though, if recent reports are anything to go by, convincing players might take a backseat to more pressing matters, like ensuring his horse won its latest race. (It did, naturally).
The situation remains fluid, but one question looms large: Did the Sacramento Kings, against all historical evidence, actually manage to pull a fast one on the defending NBA champions?
