The Denver Nuggets are putting any speculation about Jonas Valanciunas’ future to bed.
The veteran big man was officially acquired from the Kings last weekend in exchange for Dario Saric, but reports soon surfaced linking Valanciunas to EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos.
Despite the noise, Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer says there is no reason for concern.
“There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer said during Friday’s press conference to introduce Cam Johnson.
When asked directly if there were any fears Valanciunas might not report, Tenzer was clear.
“No concerns.”
The 33-year-old still has two years remaining on his NBA deal worth more than $20 million dollars.
He is expected to play for Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket later this summer, but Denver plans to have him in camp well before the season starts.
“Their plan is for him to get here sooner than later, but still working through that,” Nuggets GM Jonathan Wallace added. “We’ll approach it at that time.”
Denver sees Valanciunas as a key piece of their offseason overhaul following a heartbreaking Game 7 loss to eventual champions Oklahoma City in the second round.
The team also brought back Bruce Brown and traded for Tim Hardaway Jr. as part of a roster shakeup.
Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and two assists across 81 games last season while splitting time between Washington and Sacramento. The Nuggets are counting on him to give Nikola Jokic, who logged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game last year, some much-needed rest.
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