Jonas Valanciunas’s potential move to the Denver Nuggets may face unexpected twists as he weighs an opportunity to play overseas with Greek club Panathinaikos Athens. This comes just days after reports confirmed a trade agreement between the Sacramento Kings and Nuggets, which would send Valanciunas to Denver in exchange for veteran big man Dario Saric.
Prominent basketball insiders, including Donatas Urbonas and Marc Stein, have reported that the 33-year-old Lithuanian center is considering a buyout of his NBA contract to facilitate a return to European basketball. Valanciunas’s interest in a foreign league raises intriguing questions about his future in the NBA, especially as the Nuggets seek to bolster their frontcourt behind star center Nikola Jokic.
The trade for Valanciunas aligns with the Nuggets’ offseason strategy, which has included significant moves such as trading Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson, as well as signing free agent Bruce Brown, a critical component of their recent championship success.
Throughout his 13-season NBA career, Valanciunas has established himself as a reliable player, having started in 848 of the 937 games he’s played. His career averages include 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, demonstrating his capability as a double-double threat during his time with the Memphis Grizzlies and New Orleans Pelicans.
While Valanciunas was poised to add depth to the Nuggets’ center position, his potential departure could reshape the dynamics of the team’s roster moving forward.
Overall, Valanciunas’s decision will be closely watched, as it could have repercussions not only for his career but also for the future of the franchises involved. With his skill set, whether in the NBA or in Europe, the seasoned center will undoubtedly continue to make an impact on the game, wherever he decides to play.