The Denver Nuggets will complete the trade to acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, despite mutual interest between the veteran center and Greek club Panathinaikos. Denver is sending Dario Saric to Sacramento in exchange for Valanciunas.
The Nuggets are also determined to convince Valanciunas to stay in the NBA as their backup center behind Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas cannot sign with Panathinaikos unless Denver grants him his release.
It’s been speculated the Valanciunas could give back some, or even all, of his NBA salary in a buyout to be able to sign in Greece. He reportedly has a three-year, $12 million deal from Panathinaikos.