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Denver Nuggets Receive Positive News About Nikola Jokic's Backup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Rowan Fisher-Shotton | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 3:41 PM ET

As NBA teams continue to finalize their rosters for the 2025-26 season, the Denver Nuggets find themselves navigating more than just salary‐cap waters.

Rumors have swirled this summer that newly acquired veteran center Jonas Valanciunas might bolt the NBA to return to Europe, with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos reportedly dangling a three‐year, $13 million contract in front of him, per The Denver Post.

Valanciunas is currently under contract for the next two NBA seasons, set to make just under $10.4 million in 2025-26 and another $10 million in 2026-27.

Yet, in a report aired on Altitude SR 92.5, Nuggets insider Vic Lombardi insisted the franchise is confident Valanciunas will don Denver blue when training camp opens, noting, "The Nuggets believe he will play here and time will heal."

DEVELOPING: Jonas Valanciunas will apparently be staying with the Nuggets, with a 2nd year guaranteed, per @Eurohoopsnet. https://t.co/Py5v9bX7dT
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 9, 2025

Before entering the NBA in 2012, Valanciunas made a name for himself in Lithuania and Spain, later helping Lithuania to two silver medals at EuroBasket tournaments.

Drafted by the Toronto Raptors fifth overall in 2011, he earned All-Rookie Second Team honors in the 2012-13 season, averaging 8.9 points, 6.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks in 62 games (57 starts), spending his first 6.5 seasons in Toronto.

In 2019, Valanciunas was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies, where in 19 games he averaged a career-high 19.9 points, 10.7 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.

Following 2.5 seasons in Memphis, he enjoyed short stints with the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings.

Denver’s offseason so far has been defined by strategic roster tweaks around franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic.

On July 1, Denver acquired the 33‑year‑old big man from the Kings, sending forward Dario Saric to California in return.

Cam Johnson also arrived in the blockbuster swap, sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets, while veteran wings Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. were added via free agency.

In this context, Valanciunas is projecting to be Denver’s primary backup center, tasked with giving Jokic needed rest without sacrificing rebounding or rim protection.

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

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