Kings trade Valanciunas to Denver for Dario Saric

The Sacramento Kings are trading Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Saric, per Shams Charania.

Jul 1, 2025, 9:21 AM

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Sacramento Kings general manager Scott Perry was expected to be active in his first offseason. After trading into the first round to select Nique Clifford, he’s made his first player-player trade.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Sacramento is trading center Jonas Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets in exchange for forward Dario Saric.

Valanciunas, who was close with Domantas Sabonis on the Lithuanian national team, was acquired by former GM Monte McNair last offseason for Sidy Cissoko and two second-round picks (2028, 2029).

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

With two years and roughly $20.4 million left on his deal, Perry clears some of the Kings finances by adding Saric’s expiring $5.4 million salary.

The Nuggets add depth behind Nikola Jokic after bringing Bruce Brown Jr. back in free agency as well.

Jake LaRavia’s unexpected departure to the Los Angeles Lakers may have created a need for forward depth that Saric could temporarily fill.

Playing in his 8th season last year, Saric played just 210 minutes over 16 total games despite being healthy for most of the season. For reference, Alex Len played 258 minutes for Sacramento last season.

A career 36 percent shooter from three, the 6’10 forward could be a temporary depth piece for the Kings with the primary objective of clearing the books accomplished.

Moving on from Valanciunas could also clear some space for rookie big Maxime Raynaud to see the floor in his debut season.

More Sacramento Kings coverage on Sactown Sports

With the NBA’s free agency period set to begin on Monday, the Sacramento Kings have made one of their most pressing offseason decisions: Choosing a lane on a contract for Keon Ellis.

Sacramento had two options entering the offseason: picking up Ellis’ $2.3 million team option for the 2025-26 season, which would allow the guard to enter unrestricted free agency next summer, or declining the option and attempting to re-sign Ellis for a longer contract during this free agency period.

New Kings general manager Scott Perry made his choice on Sunday as Sacramento picked up the 2025-26 team option on Ellis, meaning the two-way guard will be entering a contract year this fall.

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Sacramento Kings pick up 2025-26 team option on Keon Ellis

What’s next for the Sacramento Kings offseason?

Following the 2025 NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings will prepare for the start of NBA Free Agency.

The NBA free agency negotiation period begins on Monday, June 30th, at 3 pm PT, meaning Sacramento will be able to negotiate with players — but agreements cannot be officially completed until Sunday, July 6th.

Who will the Kings sign in free agency? Will new general manager Scott Perry make trades in hopes of upgrading the roster?

Be sure to stay locked into Sactown Sports 1140 each weekday from 6 am-6 pm for live analysis and around-the-clock coverage, as well as sactownsports.com for breakdowns for every move.