By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
According to Shams Charania, the Sacramento Kings are trading Jonas Valančiūnas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for Dario Šarić.
The Lithuanian center will now join three-time MVP Nikola Jokić in Colorado, while the versatile Croatian heads to California to play alongside Domantas Sabonis.
The Nuggets can absorb Valančiūnas’ larger salary thanks to the added roster flexibility gained from the trade sending Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson.
Valančiūnas made 81 total appearances last season between the Washington Wizards and the Sacramento Kings, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 18.8 minutes per game.
Šarić had a limited role with the Nuggets last season but exercised his $5.4 million player option to remain with the team. However, Denver had other plans and opted to include him in the deal for Valančiūnas.