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Denver Nuggets: NBA Announced a Missed Call on 3x MVP in Game 2 Against the Clippers 1 Apr 6, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second quarter against the Indiana Pacers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

'I Am Fully Committed' – Denver Nuggets’ Big Man Speaks on NBA And Overseas Contracts

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 22, 2025 7:31 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets finally secured center Jonas Valanciunas as their backup to Nikola Jokic. Initially, the Nuggets struggled with the Lithuanian center’s commitment. After the organization traded Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings for Valanciunas, they were informed that the center would join Panathinaikos and leave the NBA.

There was a lot of back-and-forth since the Nuggets wanted the center to honor his contract. Valanciunas still has two years left in his three-year, $30.2 million deal. However, there were reports that he wanted to leave the league and play for the Greek team, which is closer to his home.

After a while, it became official that the big man would honor the remaining years in his deal. The Nuggets finally secured their backup center for the three-time MVP.

On Monday, Valanciunas broke his silence and addressed what happened between him, the Denver Nuggets and Panathinaikos. He also reaffirmed his commitment to play in the NBA and fulfill his contract obligations.

“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me,” Valanciunas wrote. “The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship.”

Jonas Valanciunas spoke with me to clear the air on the Nuggets and Panathinaikos situation:

"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very…

— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 21, 2025

The Nuggets have been interested in Valanciunas for a while. However, they haven’t had the chance to acquire him in the past. This summer, they took the chance to trade for him to get some load off their franchise star.

Since joining the NBA in 2012, Valanciunas has established himself as one of the top starting centers. He’s averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds in the past 13 seasons.

Cam Johnson wants to win a championship with the Denver Nuggets

Nuggets Coach Gives Jamal Murray Update Amid Guard's Concerning Head Injury 2 Oct 29, 2024; Brooklyn, New York, USA; Jamal Murray (27) drives the ball toward the basket against Brooklyn Nets small forward Cameron Johnson (2) during the first half at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

One of the moves the Denver Nuggets made this offseason was trading away Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets. In exchange, the Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson, a capable starter who can space the floor.

Johnson has developed into a productive starter during his three seasons with the Nets. During his introductory press conference on Friday, the 6-foot-8 forward talked about his desire to win a championship with the Nuggets.

“I want to win. I want to win a championship,” Johnson said.

Cam Johnson says he’s bringing a team first mentality to the Nuggets. “I want to win. I want to win a championship.”

Says there are more aspects to his game than just shooting.

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) July 18, 2025

In 2021, he was two games away from winning the championship with the Phoenix Suns. However, the Milwaukee Bucks proved to be a tough matchup and beat Johnson’s former team in six games.

With the Denver Nuggets, Johnson brings scoring and shooting to the team. In his career, he has made 39.2% of his shots from downtown.

Brooklyn Nets Rumors: Team to Take Interesting Approach to 2025 Offseason 6 Jan 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Brooklyn Nets forward Cam Johnson (2) reacts after scoring a basket and earning a foul call against the Toronto Raptors in the first half at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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