Jonas Valančiūnas is interested in leaving the NBA for Europe.
The veteran center joined the NBA in 2012 and has been a consistent performer during his time with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, and New Orleans Pelicans. Despite entering his 30s, Valančiūnas has remained a reliable backup in recent seasons and was expected to join the Denver Nuggets via trade from the Sacramento Kings.
The Nuggets need a dependable backup center behind Nikola Jokić, and Valančiūnas fits the bill perfectly. Given the importance of this role for their championship aspirations, Denver appears to be doing everything possible to convince the Lithuanian player to stay in the NBA rather than move overseas.
Denver Nuggets ‘Determined’ To Keep Jonas Valančiūnas in the NBA
According to sources that spoke to BasketNews, Valančiūnas was close to agreeing on a three-year deal with Panathinaikos Athens worth approximately €12 million (about $13 million).
This offer would provide the Lithuanian big man with long-term security and a prominent role on one of Europe’s top teams, while also allowing his family to be closer to home.
However, Valančiūnas cannot simply leave his NBA contract, which guarantees him a $10.395 million salary through the 2025-26 season, to play overseas. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are determined to make him stay and plan to complete the trade with the Kings on Sunday.
“The Nuggets are going ahead with their trade for Jonas Valančiūnas on Sunday and remain determined to keep the veteran big man they hope to install as their backup to Nikola Jokić … despite Valančiūnas’ offer from Greek giants Panathinaikos,” Stein wrote, citing league sources.
While Stein confirmed that Valančiūnas had met with Panathinaikos officials, he reported that Denver is nevertheless acquiring him in a swap for Dario Šarić.
Valančiūnas indeed arrived in Greece earlier this weekend to meet with Panathinaikos officials but he cannot sign with the EuroLeague team unless he is released from his NBA contract, which Denver will acquire Sunday from Sacramento in a swap for Dario Šarić. https://t.co/KFxxVQzsKU
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2025
For Valančiūnas to pursue his overseas ambitions, he would have to be waived or bought out upon his arrival in Denver. However, since most notable centers have already been signed, it makes sense that the Nuggets are doing everything possible to persuade him to stay in the NBA. He’s their best option.
Jonas Valanciunas in 24-25 NBA Season:
💪 10.4 PPG
💪 7.0 RPG
💪 2.0 APG
💪 55 FG%JOKIC FINALLY HAS HIS BACKUP CENTER pic.twitter.com/07yfr7oVBX
— Nuggets Lead (@NuggetsLead) July 1, 2025
Last season, Valančiūnas began the year with the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Kings. Across 81 games, he averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just 19 minutes per game.
His potential departure from the NBA would certainly disrupt the Nuggets’ depth chart, and Denver is expected to do everything possible to convince him to stay for at least one more season.