Denver Nuggets Vice President Ben Tenzer addressed multiple key offseason moves during a recent media appearance, but noticeably avoided discussing Jonas Valančiūnas. While Tenzer was candid about trades involving Michael Porter Jr., Cam Johnson, and the return of Bruce Brown, he stayed mum on Valančiūnas, whose reported trade from the Sacramento Kings remains unofficial.
The Nuggets had hoped to acquire Valančiūnas in exchange for Dario Saric, viewing the veteran big man as the ideal backup to Nikola Jokic. After seasons relying on DeAndre Jordan and Zeke Nnaji in limited roles, Valančiūnas’ double-double potential in just 12–15 minutes a night offered a significant upgrade. But despite reports confirming the trade terms, the situation is far from settled.
Valančiūnas recently traveled to Athens to meet with Panathinaikos, a top EuroLeague team that has made a strong multi-year offer. Their owner, Dimitrios Giannakopoulos, claimed in an Instagram live session that both sides want the deal but are waiting on Denver’s stance: “We want to sign him, he wants to join us, if his team doesn’t say ‘yes’, what can we do?”
The Nuggets are reportedly firm in their intention to keep Valančiūnas, but until the trade is officially finalized, questions around his commitment remain. For now, Tenzer’s silence may speak volumes about the uncertainty still surrounding Denver’s backup center situation. As the team evaluates Summer League talent and reshapes its roster, Valančiūnas’ future looms as the one piece yet to fall into place.
(This is a building story…)
The post Nuggets VP Remains Tight-Lipped on Jonas Valančiūnas as Denver Reporter Confirms Trade Situation appeared first on EssentiallySports.
