Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings Close Key Frontcourt Trade
The NBA rumor mill has been spinning around Jonas Valančiūnas for weeks, with whispers about a mega-deal from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos circulating just as teams readied for summer moves. But on July 14, 2025, the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings cut through the noise, finalizing a trade that sends Dario Šarić to Sacramento and brings Valančiūnas to Denver. Both veterans are expected to play pivotal roles in new roles and fresh locker rooms.
The biggest question leading up to the trade was whether Valančiūnas, 33, would turn down European riches to stick with the NBA. Panathinaikos reportedly dangled a hefty three-year, $36 million deal—outbidding his remaining two-year, $20.3 million NBA contract. Despite that, the Nuggets front office secured his commitment, making it clear: Valančiūnas isn’t heading overseas, at least not this year.
Valančiūnas steps in as backup to reigning MVP Nikola Jokic, and it’s a rare sight. The Lithuanian big man started all 80 games for New Orleans last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds—solid production for someone now thrust into a supporting role. The Nuggets are betting that his rebounding and physical presence will help stabilize their bench rotations and provide insurance in a grueling Western Conference season.
How Šarić Fits the Sacramento Kings
The Kings, meanwhile, get a versatile forward in Šarić. Over his eight NBA seasons, the Croatian has played for Philadelphia, Minnesota, Phoenix, and most recently, Denver. He’s seen as a glue guy, comfortable playing inside or out, and manages to contribute on both ends without commanding the spotlight. With Sacramento’s frontcourt in flux, Šarić adds experience and flexibility—two things you can’t get enough of in the hunt for a playoff spot.
- Šarić averaged 8.0 points and 4.6 rebounds in a reduced role last year.
- He’s known for setting solid screens and knocking down open threes.
- At 30 years old, he brings leadership but also energy, key for a squad looking to climb the standings.
As the trade wires hummed, the rumbling about Valančiūnas fleeing for Europe prompted plenty of debate inside the Kings’ front office. Was it too risky to take on a veteran who might leave? But Sacramento pulled the trigger anyway, confident in Šarić’s fit and happy to avoid a potential drama if Valančiūnas had decided to leave after all. Denver, for their part, can now rest easy—barring an unexpected development, they’ve locked down a proven big man for a stretch run behind Jokic.
This move is more than swapping jerseys. It’s about each team recalibrating for the long haul: Denver preserving its championship window, Sacramento pushing for playoff relevance, and both franchises adding trusted pieces to their locker rooms. While the NBA is rarely short of plot twists, for now, both teams look set to test these new lineups on the court—and not just in the rumor columns.
