Dario Saric, despite a disappointing first season with the Nuggets, intends to exercise his $5.4MM player option for next year, sources told The Denver Post.
Saric signed a two-year, $10.6MM contract last summer, choosing Denver over an offer from EuroLeague champions Panathinaikos.
The Nuggets had hoped to add a veteran big man to ease Nikola Jokic’s load, but Saric has only played 16 games, averaging 3.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 13.1 minutes per game.
With Saric playing limited minutes – just seven in a recent game despite several players being rested – his addition seems like a misfire for GM Calvin Booth, who is managing tight finances.
If the player exercises his option, he will have the sixth-highest salary for the 2025/26 season.
Should Saric decline the option, the Nuggets would gain financial flexibility, with $13MM available to fill three roster spots.
However, they lack assets for a salary dump after trading three second-round picks to send Reggie Jackson to Charlotte.
While the veteran player has been contacted by several overseas teams for next season, he hasn’t made a decision yet.
“I haven’t signed with anybody,” Saric said. “My family and I haven’t decided yet; I’m still focusing on this season before making any choices.”
Dario Saric Reportedly Plans To Pick Up Option For 2025/26 https://t.co/tvxxYFU7lB pic.twitter.com/UbIXHtWFsL
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 4, 2025
