May 11, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman during a press conference before game four against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

Denver Nuggets Announce Trade For 13-Year NBA Veteran

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 6:53 PM ET

Jonas Valanciunas spent the 2024-25 season playing for the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings.

He was traded to the Kings in February.

The 33-year-old finished his stint in Sacramento with averages of 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists per contest while shooting 55.6% from the field in 32 games (nine starts).

That said, has now been officially traded to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Saric.

Via Nuggets.com: "The Denver Nuggets have acquired center Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento in exchange for Dario Šarić, Executive Vice President of Basketball Operations Ben Tenzer, and Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Jonathan Wallace announced today."

Welcome to Denver, Jonas! ️ pic.twitter.com/jAMKV8yQ0Q
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 13, 2025

Valanciunas was the fifth pick in the 2011 NBA Draft.

He has also played for the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans and Memphis Grizzlies over 13 seasons.

His career averages are 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest while shooting 56.0% from the field in 937 games.

Jonas Valanciunas in 13 seasons:

— 13.1 PPG (25.1 MPG)
— 9.3 RPG
— 56.0 FG%

Top 10 in the league in 10/10 games in that stretch. pic.twitter.com/NCeES7io8b
— StatMuse (@statmuse) July 3, 2025

On the other hand, the Nuggets traded away Saric, who spent one season with the franchise.

He had averages of 3.5 points, 3.1 rebounds and 1.4 assists per contest while shooting 36.2% from the field in 16 games.

Saric has also spent time with the Philadelphia 76ers, Minnesota Timberwolves, Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors and Oklahoma City Thunder over eight seasons.

Via @SwipaCam: "Out

Michael Porter Jr.
Russell Westbrook
Dario Saric
Deandre Jordan
Vlatko Cancar

In

Cameron Johnson
Bruce Brown
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Jonas Valanciunas
DaRon Holmes II"

Out

Michael Porter Jr.
Russell Westbrook
Dario Saric
Deandre Jordan
Vlatko Cancar

In

Cameron Johnson
Bruce Brown
Tim Hardaway Jr.
Jonas Valanciunas
DaRon Holmes II

I’m sorry y’all that still blows my mind how much talent Denver has coming into the building.
— Swipa (@SwipaCam) July 12, 2025