Report: Jonas Valanciunas is ‘considering’ leaving the NBA for EuroLeague

Report: Jonas Valanciunas is ‘considering’ leaving the NBA for EuroLeague

On Tuesday, the Denver Nuggets acquired backup big man Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, a one-for-one swap.

Though according to BasketNews.com’s Donatas Urbonas, Valanciunas could be leaving the NBA entirely for the EuroLeague.

“According to BasketNews sources, the 33-year-old Lithuanian is close to accepting an offer from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens,” Urbonas’ report read. “BasketNews sources indicate that the Lithuanian national team center was lured by Panathinaikos’ three-year offer worth nearly €12 million. … SDNA were the first to report that Valanciunas was Panathinaikos’ top target on the market.”

Jonas Valanciunas is considering a stunning EuroLeague move and exiting the NBA.

Per BasketNews sources, Valanciunas was lured by Panathinaikos' multi-year offer.

Morehttps://t.co/ukS7gOwlDP

— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 3, 2025

Valanciunas, 33, is set to earn a combined $20.4 million over the final two years of his three-year contract he signed last winter with the Washington Wizards. The final year of his contract is non-guaranteed, but will become fully guaranteed on June 29, 2026.

The Nuggets have struggled dealing with the non-Jokic minutes over the last several seasons, which made Valanciunas’ acquisition feel like a huge upgrade (especially because of the cost).

He’s been more than servicable everywhere he’s been and is fit for a backup role, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game last season. He’s a very productive offensive rebounder, will occasionally stretch the floor and is a physical bruiser in the post.

Denver Nuggets sign Tim Hardaway Jr. to 1-year deal

Valanciunas will be entering his age-33 season … and may want to be closer to his homeland (Lithuania). Over his 13-year NBA career, he’s averaged 13.1 points and 9.4 rebounds on 61.5 percent true shooting.

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