The Denver Nuggets have put their foot down with Jonas Valančiūnas. The veteran Lithuanian center wanted out of his NBA contract to join EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens, but Denver made it clear they expect him to honor his deal.
This latest twist in the Valančiūnas saga might finally close the book on his potential European departure. NBA contracts are binding, and buyouts only happen when both sides agree.
Why the Nuggets Are Holding Firm on Valančiūnas
Valančiūnas’ future took several unexpected turns after Denver acquired him from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric. The trade hasn’t been officially completed yet, but the Nuggets see him as crucial.
The deal initially looked like a perfect match. Denver desperately needed a big body to back up Nikola Jokic, especially with free agency options drying up and limited cap space. Valančiūnas would get his shot at a championship with a legitimate contender.
Then, Panathinaikos Athens swooped in with a massive offer. The Greek club reportedly convinced Valančiūnas to agree to a three-year deal worth approximately $13 million, but only if the Nuggets would buy him out. Athens officials were confident they’d have their man by the weekend.
That confidence proved premature. According to NBA insider Shams Charania, “Denver has informed Jonas Valančiūnas’ reps that the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract as the Nuggets view Valanciunas as a critical center addition to backup Nikola Jokic and play alongside him. Greek team Panathinaikos pursued Valanciunas in recent days.”
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
The numbers make Denver’s stance understandable. Valančiūnas has $10.3 million remaining on his contract this season and $10 million next year. That’s legally binding, preventing him from simply walking away to explore other opportunities.
More importantly, the Nuggets traded for Valančiūnas because they believed he could help them win another championship. His rebounding and interior presence would give Jokic the perfect complement, allowing the reigning MVP to focus on playmaking while Valančiūnas handles the dirty work.
NBA Fans Weigh In on the Valančiūnas Standoff
Basketball fans had plenty to say about Denver’s hardline approach. One observer speculated that the Nuggets might be playing negotiation games: “This is getting weirder and weirder… Denver playing hardball, most likely to push for the lowest buyout possible. But still very strange.”
This is getting weirder and weirder… Denver playing hard ball most likely to push for the lowest buyout possible. But still very strange.
— SportShorts (@den_shorts) July 6, 2025
That theory seems unlikely, given Denver’s roster needs. They acquired him because they needed his skills, and it seems they truly want him to stay in the U.S. rather than play abroad.
Another fan pointed to the limited free agency options at the backup center: “Interesting choice here, saving the money and voiding the contract would be nice, but they must not have any traction with Horford, who’s pretty much the only good backup center left on the market.”
Al Horford represents the best available alternative, but at 39 years old, he’s hardly a long-term solution. Valančiūnas, at 32, gives Denver several more years of productive basketball. Also, the latest rumors seem to indicate Horford is choosing between joining the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
Nuggets supporters rallied behind keeping their new acquisition. One fan made the championship case: “Greece can wait. Valančiūnas has a chance to win a Ring in a key role, helping out Jokic. It’s a no-brainer to stay in Denver!”
Another fan questioned the appeal of leaving the NBA entirely, especially for a contending team: “Jonas should be good for Denver. Not sure what’s so enticing about leaving the NBA.”
The financial difference between his NBA contract and the Panathinaikos offer isn’t dramatic enough to justify his leaving championship contention. Valančiūnas would earn roughly the same money while playing at the highest level of basketball. It remains to be seen if the Nuggets will budge from this stance, but this is certainly a situation worth monitoring.