Despite his reported interest in heading overseas to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is expected to remain with the Denver Nuggets upon his trade being finalized.
News of Denver acquiring Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for forward Dario Šarić first broke on July 1. The franchise was immediately hailed for finally landing a quality backup to superstar big man Nikola Jokić.
In the ensuing days, Valančiūnas’ NBA future became muddied amid reports of his intent to seek a contract buyout and accept a “lucrative offer” from Panathinaikos. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein and Altitude Sports’ Vic Lombardi, the saga appears to be approaching a conclusion.
Jonas Valančiūnas on Track To Join Nuggets Despite Panathinaikos’ Interest
On Wednesday, Stein reported that “Denver’s trade to acquire Valančiūnas remains on course to be made official later this week.” However, the insider noted that the “Nuggets have not guaranteed the second season left on Valančiūnas’ deal.”
Denver’s trade to acquire Jonas Valančiūnas remains on course to be made official later this week but an Excel Sports official tells @TheSteinLine that the Nuggets have not have guaranteed the second season (‘26-27) left on Valančiūnas’ deal.
He is guaranteed $10.4M in ‘25-26. pic.twitter.com/qaPSjeSB7U
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 9, 2025
The 13-year veteran is set to earn a guaranteed $10.4 million next season, with a non-guaranteed $10 million salary for the 2026-27 campaign.
Per Lombardi, Denver believes Valančiūnas is ready to move past the Panathinaikos drama with or without it guaranteeing the final year of his contract.
“The Nuggets believe he will play here and time will heal,” Lombardi said on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM.
However, when asked whether Valančiūnas getting his last season guaranteed would increase the likelihood of him staying with the Nuggets, Lombardi confirmed as much.
“100%, because this will give him stability,” Lombardi said.
Jonas Valanciunas is expected to stay with the Nuggets, passing on his offer from Greece, per @Eurohoopsnet.
Denver believes “time will heal him.” Jokic has his backup. pic.twitter.com/kt8r6UfDeJ
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 9, 2025
This aligns with ESPN’s Shams Charania’s Sunday intel that the organization “informed Valančiūnas’ reps” that it “fully intends to have him honor his contract.”
Denver has informed Jonas Valanciunas’ reps that the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract as the Nuggets view Valanciunas as a critical center addition to back up Nikola Jokic and play alongside him. Greek team Panathinaikos pursued Valanciunas in recent days. https://t.co/a6SGnWFeLh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2025
As such, all signs point toward Valančiūnas backing up Jokić for at least one season. Denver would mark the Lithuanian’s sixth team since being drafted No. 5 by the Toronto Raptors in 2011 and potentially his best shot at securing his first NBA championship.
Valančiūnas Could Push Nuggets Over the Top in Second NBA Title Pursuit
Coming off a 50-win campaign, the Nuggets have upgraded their shooting and wing versatility around Jokić this offseason, adding Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr.
Valančiūnas, expected to provide relief minutes for Jokić on a nightly basis, could put the 2023 NBA champions in a prime position to capture another title. Over 32 appearances with Sacramento, the big man averaged 8.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 0.6 blocks per game, shooting 55.6% in just 16.9 minutes a night.
