The Denver Nuggets count on middle Jonas Valanciunas to be with the group when the season begins regardless of hypothesis about his NBA future. Government vice chairman Ben Tenzer dismissed considerations in regards to the veteran middle’s dedication throughout Friday’s information convention.
Denver formally acquired the 6-foot-11 Valanciunas from Sacramento for Dario Saric final weekend. Reviews emerged of Greek EuroLeague membership Panathinaikos courting Valanciunas, creating confusion given his two-year, $20 million remaining contract.
Tenzer addressed the hypothesis immediately throughout Cam Johnson’s introductory press convention.
“There’s been nothing however wholesome conversations by way of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer mentioned of Valanciunas.
When requested about considerations concerning Valanciunas’ availability for the season opener, Tenzer responded definitively.
“No considerations,” Tenzer mentioned.
The Valanciunas commerce caps a productive offseason following Denver’s Recreation 7 loss to NBA champion Oklahoma Metropolis. The entrance workplace duo of Tenzer and Jonathan Wallace considerably reworked the roster.
Denver additionally acquired Johnson in a deal that despatched 2023 championship contributor Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn. The Nuggets added former title teammate Bruce Brown and capturing guard Tim Hardaway Jr.
Valanciunas will play for Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket this summer season. Nuggets officers could journey abroad to proceed discussions with the 33-year-old middle.
“Their plan is for him to get right here prior to later, however nonetheless working via that,” Wallace mentioned.
The veteran middle averaged 10.4 factors, 7.7 rebounds and two assists over 81 video games whereas splitting time between Washington and Sacramento final season. Denver acquired Valanciunas particularly to supply relaxation for three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.
Jokic averaged a career-high 36.7 minutes per recreation final season, highlighting the necessity for dependable backup middle minutes.
