After a prolonged negotiation, veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is now officially part of the Denver Nuggets. The announcement of his acquisition from the Sacramento Kings was made just last night, with the Nuggets parting ways with Dario Sarić in this deal.

Currently, Valančiūnas has a two-year contract that pays him over $20.3 million. However, he has reportedly received a lucrative offer to play for Panathinaikos, a Greek club, for three years worth $36 million, which would allow him to return closer to home. The finalization of this trade suggests that the Nuggets intend to keep him in Denver under his existing contract.

In the last season, Valančiūnas participated in 81 games for the Washington Wizards and the Kings, starting in 21 of those games, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game. With his addition to the Nuggets, Valančiūnas is expected to bolster the bench, primarily playing behind Nikola Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP. Although he may prefer a larger role and more significant financial rewards overseas, this trade likely signifies a halt to those aspirations.

Additionally, Jonas Valančiūnas, now 33, is embarking on his 14th NBA season, having commenced his professional journey with Lietuvos Rytas in the EuroLeague during the 2010-11 season. Over his career, Valančiūnas has compiled an average of 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game throughout 937 games played. As he joins the Nuggets, the team aims to secure its second NBA championship within four seasons.