Nuggets Executive Expects 'No Concerns' Involving Jonas Valanciunas

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Jul 18, 2025 9:30 PM ET

The Jonas Valanciunas saga dragged on for quite some time. The Denver Nuggets did not know whether they finally had the reliable backup center that has eluded them during the Nikola Jokic era. Things look good, for now.

A press conference to introduce Cam Johnson to the Denver media also allowed for some access to the front office executives. That opportunity was never going to be wasted.

As interested as everyone was in Johnson, questions about the Valanciunas situation did surface for Nuggets executive Ben Tenzer. The indication given by Tenzer's comments suggested that 'no concerns' were expected with their new addition ahead of training camp. (h/t Michael Scotto)

Tenzer said, "We’ve had great conversations with him, and there’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget."

The Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations was saying all the right things. However, some fans were quick to point out things like the unimpressive body language and other unconvincing mannerisms.

I mean body language tells a whole different story here, but ok
— Dawgenis (@KynikosDawgenis) July 18, 2025

One cannot fully blame Tenzer for perhaps holding back some more candid comments on how the situation had been progressing behind the scenes. Messy would be a kind word to how the optics have looked from afar.

Despite that, the Nuggets pulled the trigger on the trade anyways. Marc Stein announced on July 13 that Denver officially went through with the swap, sending Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Valanciunas.

The veteran big man averaged 10.4 rebounds, 7.7 assists, and 2.0 assists per game in the 2024-25 season, shooting 55.0 percent from the field in the process. The Nuggets can hardly be faulted for wanting that type of production when Jokic heads to the bench.

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

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