Sneaky Jonas Valanciunas move gives Nuggets an unexpected edge

Denver Nuggets, Jonas Valanciunas | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn ImagesOn Thursday, NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that the Denver Nuggets and Jonas Valan\u010di\u016bnas amended the final season (subscription required) of the center's three-year deal, which he signed with the Wizards in 2024.

Fischer wrote that the two sides "mutually agreed to move the guarantee date on his 2026-27 salary from June 29 to July 8." It gives the Nuggets the option to use Valan\u010di\u016bnas' contract in a trade, rather than decide on his future before the start of free agency. That doesn't mean Denver is already planning to trade Valan\u010di\u016bnas, but the importance lies in the flexibility it gives the…