The Denver Nuggets expect center Jonas Valanciunas to be with the team when the season starts despite speculation about his NBA future. Executive vice president Ben Tenzer dismissed concerns about the veteran center’s commitment during Friday’s news conference.
Denver officially acquired the 6-foot-11 Valanciunas from Sacramento for Dario Saric last weekend. Reports emerged of Greek EuroLeague club Panathinaikos courting Valanciunas, creating confusion given his two-year, $20 million remaining contract.
Tenzer addressed the speculation directly during Cam Johnson’s introductory press conference.
“There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer said of Valanciunas.
When asked about concerns regarding Valanciunas’ availability for the season opener, Tenzer responded definitively.
“No concerns,” Tenzer said.
The Valanciunas trade caps a productive offseason following Denver’s Game 7 loss to NBA champion Oklahoma City. The front office duo of Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace significantly remodeled the roster.
Denver also acquired Johnson in a deal that sent 2023 championship contributor Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn. The Nuggets added former title teammate Bruce Brown and shooting guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
Valanciunas will play for Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket this summer. Nuggets officials may travel overseas to continue discussions with the 33-year-old center.
“Their plan is for him to get here sooner than later, but still working through that,” Wallace said.
The veteran center averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and two assists over 81 games while splitting time between Washington and Sacramento last season. Denver acquired Valanciunas specifically to provide rest for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Jokic averaged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game last season, highlighting the need for reliable backup center minutes.