The Nuggets traded Dario Šarić to the Sacramento Kings in return for Valančiūnas on July 1, but NBA insider Marc Stein reported a few days after the deal that the idea of playing in Europe held "strong appeal" for Valančiūnas as he mulled whether to seek a buyout from Denver.

The Denver Nuggets have, by and large, enjoyed a memorable 2025 offseason run. The team has finalized its coach of the future, taking the interim tag off David Adelman following a spirited playoff run with finite bench depth.