Northwest Roundup: Valanciunas Weighs EuroLeague Return, Possible Nuggets Trades, Avdija Contract Routes, Jazz Draft Strategy
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Jonas Valanciunas acknowledged fresh interest from European clubs during an appearance on the “Pikenrolas” podcast this week, saying discussions are underway but emphasizing that the Denver Nuggets control his immediate future.
“There were talks with one team, another team, and the Lithuanian club,” the veteran center said, according to BasketNews.com. “But the final word belongs to Denver.” Valanciunas added that, as he understands it, only Nikola Jokic is off-limits in potential trades and expects clarity by early July.
Valanciunas, 34, nearly joined Greece’s Panathinaikos last summer before Sacramento dealt him to Denver, which wanted him as Jokic’s primary backup. His $10 million salary for 2026/27 is guaranteed for just $2 million, giving the cap-tight Nuggets an incentive to waive or trade him. Sport24 reports Panathinaikos remains interested, with Fenerbahce (Turkey) and Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania) also in the mix.
Nuggets’ Offseason Trade Options
Vinny Benedetto of The Denver Gazette outlines three paths Denver could pursue: a salary-dump deal, a sign-and-trade built around Peyton Watson, or a larger move involving core players such as Jamal Murray or Aaron Gordon.
Blazers and Avdija Extension Scenarios
Sean Highkin of The Rose Garden Report writes that a standard veteran extension for Deni Avdija is improbable because Portland can offer only a modest raise on his $11.9 million 2027/28 salary. To secure a longer deal before Avdija reaches free agency, the Trail Blazers would likely need to open cap space next summer and renegotiate that season’s salary, which would raise his maximum extension value.
Jazz Draft Approach
With the No. 2 pick, Utah should simply select whichever top shooting guard—A.J. Dybantsa or Darryn Peterson—is available, Tony Jones of The Athletic contends. Utah currently lacks a starting-caliber two-guard, and both prospects offer long-term upside. If Cameron Boozer unexpectedly goes first overall, Jones favors Dybantsa at No. 2.
The Northwest Division’s offseason decisions are expected to take shape in the coming weeks as free agency, draft preparations, and potential roster moves converge.
Source: Hoops Rumors
