The Denver Nuggets are making waves in NBA free agency this summer, reshaping their roster and coaching staff in hopes of another championship run. After a disappointing playoff exit, the team wasted no time addressing key needs, making several notable moves to strengthen both their lineup and their bench.
With new faces joining franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic, and fresh leadership on the sidelines, Denver is signaling its intent to contend in the Western Conference once again.
Jonas Valanciunas Arrives in Denver as Nuggets and Kings Complete Trade
The Nuggets continued their offseason activity by acquiring Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric. ESPN insider Shams Charania first reported the deal on July 1, 2025. Valanciunas, a veteran center, is expected to serve as a reliable backup to Jokic, offering rim protection and rebounding off the bench.
The Sacramento Kings are trading Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Saric, sources tell ESPN. pic.twitter.com/D2Xmbm4DN1
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 1, 2025
Valanciunas split last season between the Washington Wizards and the Kings, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in 81 games. He is currently in the second year of a three-year, $30.3 million contract that began with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Saric, who played 16 games for Denver last season, averaged 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds. The move gives Denver a proven presence in the paint and adds depth behind Jokic, a key focus for the team this offseason.
Earlier in the summer, the Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. Johnson, known for his scoring and versatility, brings a new dynamic to Denver’s offense.
Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points and 7.0 rebounds last season, while Johnson posted a career-high 18.8 points per game, giving the Nuggets another reliable scoring option on the wing.
The front office also brought back Bruce Brown Jr. on a one-year deal. Brown, who played a pivotal role during Denver’s 2023 championship run, returns to provide energy, defense, and experience. His signing comes as rumors swirl about a possible departure for Russell Westbrook, though nothing official has been announced.
Financially, the Nuggets have managed to stay under the league’s luxury tax threshold after moving Porter Jr. and Saric. This flexibility allows Denver to add depth without facing significant tax penalties, an important consideration as the team looks to maximize its roster around Jokic.
In addition to roster changes, the Nuggets have made adjustments to their coaching staff. Former Dallas Mavericks guard J.J. Barea, who won a championship with the team in 2011, has joined head coach David Adelman’s staff as an assistant. There are also reports that Denver is interested in adding Mavericks assistant coach Jared Dudley to further bolster their bench leadership.
With these moves, the Nuggets are focused on building a deeper, more versatile team capable of making another deep playoff run. The additions of Valanciunas, Johnson, and Brown, along with changes to the coaching staff, reflect a clear strategy to support Jokic and the team’s core. As free agency continues, Denver remains active and poised to make more moves if the right opportunity arises.
