News Nuggets Team Notes

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man

(Photo by Joshua Gateley/Getty Images)

It looked like Jonas Valanciunas was going to head to the Denver Nuggets next season, providing them with much-needed help in the center position.

But it now sounds like Valanciunas has decided to leave the NBA to play overseas, leaving a huge hole in Denver’s plan.

They are quickly pivoting and eyeing another big man to help them.

According to Evan Sidery, the Nuggets are “widely expected” to pursue Al Horford in free agency.

“The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role,” Sidery wrote.

With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency.

The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N

— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025

For most of the week, it sounded like the Golden State Warriors had the best shot of getting Horford, who has spent his last several years with the Boston Celtics.

But this loss of Valanciunas has changed everything, and now the Nuggets are in hot pursuit of him.

He would be a huge pickup for Denver.

Horford, who has been in the league for 18 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.

Although he is 39 years old, he was still playing impressive and important basketball for the Celtics and was one of the reasons they won a championship in 2024.

The Warriors and Lakers were taking a serious look at acquiring him, but they now have real competition.

What can the Nuggets offer, beyond just a regular place in the rotation?

On top of that, how long will they have him for, and is retirement right around the corner?

If plans for Horford fall through, do the Nuggets have another backup plan in mind, or is this their last hope to get a backup big man?

The post Nuggets Expected To Make Big Move For Veteran Big Man appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-expected-to-make-big-move-for-veteran-big-man/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

It’s official: Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

After weeks of twists and turns, Valanciunas’ deal with the Nuggets is finished, and now he has decided on his jersey number.

According to Etienne Catalan on X, Valanciunas will wear No. 17 for the Nuggets.

That number has been dormant for years and was last worn by Johnny Taylor all the way back in 1999.

Throughout his career, Valanciunas has worn 17, and he is happy to bring that tradition to Denver.

Jonas Valančiūnas (@JValanciunas) will wear No. 17 for the #Nuggets. Number last worn by Johnny Taylor in 1999. #NBA pic.twitter.com/jIULcRmBEp

— Etienne Catalan (@EtienneCatalan) July 14, 2025

Valanciunas’ move to the Nuggets was first reported at the start of the month, but then it hit a huge speed bump: Greece’s Panathinaikos.

He was lured to play overseas and, according to most reports, he seriously considered it.

In the end, Panathinaikos didn’t offer him enough to change his trajectory, and now Valanciunas is on his way to Denver.

He split his time between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Valanciunas adjusted to being a bench player in 2024-25, and that may be the case in the next season too.

He could provide helpful support behind Nikola Jokic in the center position.

After years of Jokic needing assistance, Valanciunas might be exactly what the Nuggets need.

Denver was surely sweating this situation for a while, afraid that they could lose Valanciunas to the Greek league.

Now they can start making plans with him, and they are hopeful.

The Nuggets have made several impressive changes so far, and they think they are enough to help them become one of the best teams in the West again.

Valanciunas provides a lot of strength and power, and might be their smartest acquisition.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Has Decided On His Jersey Number With Nuggets appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-has-decided-on-his-jersey-number-with-nuggets/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Coach Raves About Jonas Valanciunas

(Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

After a lot of questions and twists and turns, Jonas Valanciunas is coming to the Denver Nuggets.

The Lithuanian center could provide a ton of frontcourt support for the team, and head coach David Adelman is really excited to see what he does.

Speaking with Katy Winge, Adelman praised Valanciunas and made it clear that he has big plans for him.

“Jonas [Valanciunas] is a guy you can post-up against smaller lineups. He’s a proficient player down there. Very good dribble hand-off player. He’s a guy those guards can play through. On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup,” Adelman said

Coach Adelman on the Nuggets adding Jonas Valančiūnas:

“On the nights Nikola doesn’t play, you have a legitimate starting center that we just happen to be lucky enough to have as our backup.” pic.twitter.com/DRRa7t7PXX

— Katy Winge (@katywinge) July 16, 2025

Valanciunas has a whole bag of tricks that could help the Nuggets.

For years, Nikola Jokic has been carrying a heavy load for his team, but now he will have more help, and Valanciunas could be a huge difference-maker.

The deal for him was announced a few weeks ago, but it was thrown into disarray when rumors about Valanciunas playing overseas popped up.

Now the dust has settled, and he is remaining in the NBA, at least for now.

Last season was inconsistent for the Nuggets, and many people said that Jokic was the only reliable part of the team.

Perhaps Valanciunas will bring more consistency and someone who can reliably play night after night, either in the starting five or off the bench.

Jokic will still be a huge part of the team, but Valanciunas might allow him to rest more, and that could be vital for the team’s success next season.

The post Nuggets Coach Raves About Jonas Valanciunas appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-coach-raves-about-jonas-valanciunas/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Cameron Johnson Shows Off New Nuggets Threads

(Photo by Jordan Bank/Getty Images)

The Cameron Johnson era has begun for the Denver Nuggets.

Just weeks after being traded to the team, a video of Johnson showing off his new jersey was shared on X by the Nuggets.

Unsurprisingly, Johnson looks very happy to be with his new team, and this move will give him his best chance yet of becoming a champion.

First look at the fresh threads

pic.twitter.com/xUdlrzrH4f

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) July 18, 2025

For the last few seasons, Johnson has been a crucial part of the Nets.

Last year, he averaged 18.8 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 47.5 percent from the field and 39.0 percent from the three-point line.

He’s been great for Brooklyn, but the team continued to struggle, and Johnson’s name was attached to trade rumors throughout the year.

It wasn’t that shocking when he was shipped off to the Nuggets, and Johnson is surely happy with this move.

Unlike the Nets, the Nuggets have a potential path through the playoffs, and Johnson could finally experience postseason glory.

Plus, playing alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray may do great things for his game.

Johnson has been talked about a lot over the years, but he has never played for a team like the Nuggets.

Now he will get a lot more attention, and could receive a ton of praise if he plays well.

The Nuggets have been aggressive in the offseason, looking to get even better and become championship contenders again.

Acquiring Johnson is just one of the smart moves they made, but will it end up being the most consequential?

A lot of people were disappointed by the Nuggets last season, but the team could be looking much better in 2025-26, partly because of the addition of Johnson.

The post Cameron Johnson Shows Off New Nuggets Threads appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/cameron-johnson-shows-off-new-nuggets-threads/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Nuggets Sign Exciting Guard Prospect

(Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Like other teams across the NBA, the Denver Nuggets have been paying close attention to the Summer League.

They were so blown away by one of their players that they raced to make a deal with him.

According to Shams Charania, the Nuggets are signing guard Curtis Jones to a two-way contract.

Jones went undrafted out of Iowa State but put up explosive numbers in the Summer League, averaging 15.0 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 3.8 assists on 47 percent from the three-point line.

The Nuggets have been very busy this offseason, but will it all pay off?

The Denver Nuggets are signing guard Curtis Jones to a two-way NBA contract, agent Austin Walton of NEXT Sports tells ESPN. After going undrafted out of Iowa State, Jones had a stellar summer league for the Nuggets, averaging 15 points, 4.4 rebounds and 3.8 assists on 47% from 3.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 20, 2025

Because he signed a two-way deal, Jones will be eligible to play in up to 50 NBA games in the new season.

He will spend the rest of the time with the Nuggets’ G League affiliate.

Will Nuggets fans see Jones for all of those 50 games he is eligible for?

It all depends on how well he does and how much he proves himself.

The Nuggets have been hard at work putting together a muscular and impressive roster after a season of some disappointment.

Although they did fairly well during the playoffs, the regular season left a lot to be desired, and the front office was adamant about change.

So they got to work right away and acquired Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets, sending away Michael Porter Jr.

They also grabbed Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and Jonas Valanciunas.

The team is a lot better now, at least on paper.

They have a lot to prove in the new season, and Jones wants to be a part of whatever they do.

He has earned his spot on the team because of his great Summer League work, but it’s not obvious how often he will be on the court.

The post Nuggets Sign Exciting Guard Prospect appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/nuggets-sign-exciting-guard-prospect/

 

[Denver Nuggets]

Jonas Valanciunas Clears The Air About Nuggets Contract

(Photo by Kavin Mistry/Getty Images)

Jonas Valanciunas toyed with the idea of leaving the NBA, but he is firmly committed to playing for the Denver Nuggets – at least for now.

According to Donatas Urbaonas, Valanciunas recently made his intentions for 2025-26 very obvious.

“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship,” Valanciunas said.

Jonas Valanciunas spoke with me to clear the air on the Nuggets and Panathinaikos situation:

"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very…

— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 21, 2025

When Valanciunas’s move to the Nuggets was announced a few weeks ago, Denver fans were elated.

They believed they were getting a backup big man who could take some of the pressure off of Nikola Jokic’s shoulders and give the team more spacing and direction.

Denver’s second unit has been the subject of ridicule, but Valanciunas could help improve it.

Then, a wrinkle: reports emerged about Valanciunas possibly moving overseas to play for a Greek basketball league.

He was apparently very excited by the idea and was seriously contemplating leaving the NBA for good so he could play closer to his home country of Lithuania.

In the end, his move to the Nuggets went through, and he is going to play his heart out.

But his statement isn’t a firm commitment to always being in the NBA, and there is a good chance he packs his bags and heads overseas the next chance he gets.

Therefore, the Nuggets need to make the most of their time with Valanciunas, because he clearly is still very intrigued by the idea of returning overseas.

The post Jonas Valanciunas Clears The Air About Nuggets Contract appeared first on The Cold Wire.

Source: https://www.thecoldwire.com/jonas-valanciunas-clears-the-air-about-nuggets-contract/