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Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings Swap Jonas Valanciunas and Dario Saric

Originally posted on Total Apex Sports | By Justin Rimpi | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 12:23 PM ET

The Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets pulled off a trade early in the 2025 NBA Free Agency. Jonas Valanciunas is heading to Denver while Dario Saric heads to Sacramento. Valanciunas is coming off a strong season with the Kings. He was one of the best rebounders in the league and shot a great percentage from the field. Saric played in a mere 16 games with the Nuggets during the 2024-25 regular season. He will look to have more success in Sacramento. How will this trade work out for both sides?

Denver Nuggets and Sacramento Kings Season Outlook

The Sacramento Kings are trading Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Saric, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/D2Xmbm4DN1

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025

It has been a busy few days for the Denver Nuggets. They acquired Cam Johnson in exchange for Michael Porter Jr. last night. Valanciunas will provide depth to the Nuggets and serve as the backup center to Nikola Jokic. Saric’s role in Sacramento is also clear-cut. He will serve as the backup to Center Domantas Sabonis.

Final Thoughts

The Nuggets and Kings swapped reserve centers in Tuesday’s trade. Denver got the better end of the trade, though. They are a team with championship aspirations. Valanciunas is a player who can help the Nuggets reach that goal. Saric is more of a project. He did not align with Denver’s timeline. Saric will look to reach his full potential with the Kings.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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