Nuggets Acquire Valančiūnas, Eye Further Moves

The Denver Nuggets have traded seldom-used Dario Šarić to the Sacramento Kings for veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas, who averaged 8.7 points and 7 rebounds last season, providing needed size and reliability behind Nikola Jokić. This move follows Denver's earlier trade of Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick for Cam Johnson, as well as the re-signing of 2023 NBA champion Bruce Brown. By acquiring Valančiūnas, the Nuggets take on an additional $5 million in salary. Rumors suggest that Denver may also target 9-time All-Star Damian Lillard, recently waived and stretched by the Bucks, as they continue to reshape their roster. With two open roster spots remaining, further moves are possible as the Nuggets look to strengthen their lineup for the upcoming season. These transactions reflect Denver's commitment to building a more competitive team in the Western Conference.