By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
In the 2024-25 journey with the Denver Nuggets, Dario Saric was limited to 16 appearances with just over 13 minutes per contest. His recent trade to the Sacramento Kings was on the opposite end of the noise created by Jonas Valanciunas moving from the Kings to the Nuggets amid interest from EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Aktor, but might also combine with an improved playing situation.
“I went to Sacramento, passed medicals, talked to the coach and general manager. I received positive feedback. I hope to get minutes at the four and five positions. But you never know for sure. I thought I was going to play in Denver too, but I ended up sitting on the bench,” he talked about his NBA career with local reporters on Tuesday, following practice with the senior national team of Croatia for the second round of the pre-Qualifiers of the FIBA World Cup 2027.
His contract lasts through the 2025-26 season. After using a player option, the Sibenik native will earn approximately $5.4 million before becoming a free agent next summer.
“I am determined to give it my all,” he focused on the challenge with the Kings, “I am highly motivated for the next season.”
Saric is set for preceding action with Croatia. In Group D of the second round of the pre-Qualifiers of the next World Cup, his side will face Norway and Denmark in home and away contests, between August 6 and 20. The top two seeds of a three-team competition will join Germany, Israel, and Cyprus in the first round of the Qualifiers.
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