In an NBA era where player movement is constant and frustration can lead to surprise exits, fans have grown used to stars seeking fresh starts abroad. From Facundo Campazzo returning to Europe after limited minutes in the league to Mario Hezonja taking their talents overseas, the idea of NBA players turning to EuroLeague opportunities isn’t new.
And for a moment, it looked like Jonas Valančiūnas might be the next big name to follow that path.
Why Did Jonas Valančiūnas Choose Denver Over Europe?
Just days after his trade to the Denver Nuggets from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Šarić, rumors exploded online about Valančiūnas potentially leaving the NBA altogether.
Reports suggested that Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos AKTOR Athens had made a serious push to lure the Lithuanian big man back to Europe and had offered him a massive €12 million (roughly $13 million) over three years as per Basket News. However, Valančiūnas himself has now put the speculation to rest.
In a recent interview with Basket News, the 13-year NBA veteran made it clear that he’s staying in the league and is fully committed to helping the Nuggets in the upcoming 2025-26 season.
“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,” said Valančiūnas as per Donatas Urbonas of Basket News.
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
What Led to the Europe Speculation?
The rumors didn’t come out of nowhere. Since being traded from the Toronto Raptors in 2019, Valančiūnas has been on the move frequently. As we can see, he has played for three different teams in the last two seasons.
For a player who had stability early in his career, the non-stop relocations sparked talk that he might be tired of the journeyman lifestyle and ready to return to Europe, where he could enjoy a bigger role and perhaps greater consistency.
Adding fuel to the fire, NBA insider Marc Stein had reported that Valančiūnas might eventually request a buyout to facilitate a EuroLeague return.
“League sources confirm that the lure of a return to Europe holds strong appeal to Jonas Valanciunas … which could lead to him seeking a buyout from his NBA contract to join Panathinaikos as @Urbodo reports… Would scuttle what seemed like such a promising addition for Denver,” wrote Stein on his X.
League sources confirm that the lure of a return to Europe holds strong appeal to Jonas Valanciunas … which could lead to him seeking a buyout from his NBA contract to join Panathinaikos as @Urbodo reports.
Would scuttle what seemed like such a promising addition for Denver. https://t.co/U7UAb97t9v
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2025
However, CBS Sports’ Cody Nagel later revealed that the Nuggets’ front office made their stance clear. Denver had no intentions of letting him walk.
“The Nuggets reportedly informed Valančiūnas’ representatives that they will not let him out of his NBA contract. Denver acquired his contract in the trade and have two years of team control at a $20 million price tag, $10.3 million this coming season and $10 million the year after that,” wrote Nagel in his report.
How Will Valančiūnas Help the Nuggets’ Championship Push?
Denver is coming off a strong 2024-25 season with a 50-32 record and another playoff appearance. Yet their hopes of a deep postseason run were crushed when they fell to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second round.
Adding Valančiūnas could be just the boost they need to get over the hump in the upcoming season.
Throughout his career, Valančiūnas has averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists per game over 937 games (848 starts). He’s shot 56.0% from the field throughout his career and averaged a double-double for four straight seasons from 2019 to 2023. Valančiūnas can anchor Denver’s second unit and spell Nikola Jokić, who logged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game in 2024-25.
He also offers lineup flexibility, capable of playing alongside Jokić in double-big formations to give Denver more size and defensive presence.
