Jonas Valanciunas’s future in the NBA has taken a pivotal turn after the Denver Nuggets acquired the Lithuanian center from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric. This trade, expected to become official on Sunday, positions Valanciunas with a team that offers him a stronger chance to compete for a championship than any other franchise he has played for. Simultaneously, Valanciunas has received a three-year contract offer from the Greek club Panathinaikos, complicating his decision regarding where he will play next season.
Denver has expressed significant interest in Valanciunas for several seasons, and the Nuggets plan to give him a major role in their rotation, providing valuable rest time for their star Nikola Jokic. However, if Valanciunas opts to move overseas, a buyout would require Denver’s agreement since his contract guarantees $10.40 million this season. Sources indicate that Valanciunas will soon publicly address his options.
The trade helps the Kings clear salary cap space by moving Valanciunas’s contract, while the Nuggets shed Saric’s $5.43 million salary, which they had aimed to do since before last season’s trade deadline. Nevertheless, Denver will likely need to find another backup center should Valanciunas choose not to stay.
Deandre Ayton’s Choice to Join the Lakers
Another prominent player making moves is Deandre Ayton, who weighed interest from multiple teams, including the Indiana Pacers, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Milwaukee Bucks. Ultimately, Ayton selected the Los Angeles Lakers, attracted by the basketball fit and the opportunity to play alongside Luka Doncic, whom Ayton regards as the league’s best playmaker.
Ayton’s decision follows his history of success alongside guard playmakers like Chris Paul and Ricky Rubio in Phoenix, and he aims to replicate that synergy with Doncic. For the upcoming season, Ayton will earn a combined $34 million from his time with the Trail Blazers and the Lakers, with a player option available for the 2026-27 season. Teams that engaged with Trail Blazers officials have provided positive feedback on Ayton’s contributions to the community and his leadership in team bonding.
The Rising Interest in Young Guard Ryan Rollins
Free agent guard Ryan Rollins has attracted notable NBA attention after delivering his best season yet at age 23. He garnered interest from teams such as the Milwaukee Bucks, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Portland Trail Blazers, and Los Angeles Lakers. Rollins showed strong efficiency last season, averaging 10.2 points per game on 48.6 percent shooting as a starter for Milwaukee, including an impressive 45.2 percent accuracy from three-point range.
Overall, across 56 games, Rollins posted 6.2 points on 48.7 percent shooting and 40.8 percent from beyond the arc, demonstrating consistent scoring ability in limited minutes. Although the Bucks withdrew a qualifying offer from him to free up salary cap space, they retain Early Bird Rights to re-sign Rollins. Meanwhile, several teams have available salary exceptions that could facilitate signing Rollins. The Suns, for example, might gain additional financial flexibility if they negotiate a buyout with Bradley Beal, giving them room for a veteran minimum contract.
Guard Depth and Roster Moves in Charlotte
The Charlotte Hornets face a crowded backcourt with multiple roster additions and re-signings that have created a surplus of guards. After selecting Kon Kneuppel and Sion James in the draft, trading for Collin Sexton and Pat Connaughton, re-signing Tre Mann, and signing Spencer Dinwiddie, the Hornets now manage a stable of veteran and young guards, including LaMelo Ball, Josh Green, and Nick Smith Jr.
Ball, under a maximum contract, and Kneuppel, the fourth overall draft pick, anchor Charlotte’s future plans in the backcourt. Sion James, the 33rd pick, signed a four-year, $9.97 million contract with guaranteed money in the first two years, and additional team options thereafter. NBA executives believe Nick Smith Jr. could be traded as the Hornets explore moves to optimize their roster.
Sexton and Connaughton, holding expiring contracts worth $18.98 million and $9.42 million respectively, may also be moved in the near term. The Hornets pushed Josh Okogie’s $7.75 million guarantee decision date to July 15, signaling an intention to potentially trade his salary or waive him if no trades develop. DaQuan Jeffries is another player with a non-guaranteed contract who might face release.
Tre Mann’s Contract Renewal and Free Agency Prospects
Tre Mann and the Hornets agreed to a three-year, $24 million deal, which includes a team option for the third year. This agreement came despite interest from the Milwaukee Bucks, who pursued Mann before he re-signed with Charlotte. Mann’s recent season was hampered by a back injury, but when active, he averaged 14.1 points per game with 40 percent shooting from three-point range, along with solid playmaking and rebounding numbers.
Two-Way Contract Signings from the Draft Class
From this year’s draft, two players have committed to two-year, two-way contracts. Dylan Cardwell signed with the Sacramento Kings, while CJ Huntley joined the Phoenix Suns, giving both prospects an opportunity to split time between the NBA and the G League.
Overall Implications and Next Steps for Jonas Valanciunas
The trade of Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets represents a significant juncture in his NBA future, offering a promising pathway toward a championship run. Denver’s commitment to integrating Valanciunas into their rotation could provide him with a crucial role while supporting the team’s aspirations. Meanwhile, the offer from Panathinaikos presents an enticement to return to Europe, contingent on the Nuggets’ willingness to facilitate a contract buyout.
The resolution of Valanciunas’s decision will have ripple effects across the Nuggets’ roster construction and their approach to securing a backup center. As official confirmations are imminent, the basketball world awaits his declaration, which will shape not only his career but also the strategic plans of both the Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings.