Thu Jul 03 20:40:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the text:
**Nuggets Bolster Frontcourt, Acquire Valanciunas in Trade with Kings**
DENVER, CO – The Denver Nuggets are making moves to strengthen their roster around superstar Nikola Jokic, reportedly acquiring veteran center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.
The move addresses a crucial need for Denver, providing much-needed depth in the frontcourt and offering a capable backup for Jokic. Valanciunas, 33, averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 81 games last season, split between the Kings and the Washington Wizards. His ability to play alongside or in place of Jokic gives Nuggets Head Coach Michael Malone valuable flexibility.
Valanciunas is under contract for two more seasons at $10 million per year, acquired via a sign-and-trade after signing with the New Orleans Pelicans, demonstrating Denver’s commitment to improving their chances for a championship run.
The acquisition of Valanciunas is part of a flurry of activity for the Nuggets in recent days. The team also recently traded for Cam Johnson and brought back fan favorite Bruce Brown on a one-year deal. These moves positioned the Nuggets under the first salary cap apron, freeing up a $14.1 million mid-level exception.
The Nuggets are clearly focused on retooling after a disappointing second-round exit in the playoffs against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the eventual NBA champions. The Thunder defeated the Nuggets in 7 games. Saric, 31, averaged 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in limited minutes for Denver last season and will now continue his career in Sacramento on a $5.4 million contract.
The addition of Valanciunas signals Denver’s intent to contend for a championship and provide Jokic with the support needed for a deep playoff run.
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