Nuggets' new big sets the record straight.
"I Want To Clear The Air...": Nuggets Center Addresses Exit Rumors originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
On July 13, the Denver Nuggets completed a trade with the Sacramento Kings to acquire veteran center Jonas Valanciunas in exchange for Dario Saric, bolstering their frontcourt depth behind Nikola Jokic.
Shortly after the trade, reports emerged that Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos had dangled a lucrative three‑year, roughly €12 million offer to lure Valanciunas back to Europe.
Valanciunas is owed approximately $10.4 million for the 2025–26 NBA season, with a non‑guaranteed $10 million on the table for 2026–27, per Spotrac. Sources indicated that a buyout was a possibility, provided both the Nuggets and Kings consented.
On Monday, in an exclusive with Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews, Valanciunas addressed swirling rumors head‑on:
"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship."
Jonas Valanciunas spoke with me to clear the air on the Nuggets and Panathinaikos situation:
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 21, 2025
"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very…
Originally drafted fifth overall by the Toronto Raptors in 2011, Valanciunas quickly made his mark, earning NBA All‑Rookie Second Team honors in 2013.
Now entering his 14th NBA season at 33 years old, Valanciunas has averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 0.9 blocks over 937 career games (848 starts), including a career-high 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in 2018–19 with the Memphis Grizzlies.
Internationally, he has been Lithuania’s backbone, leading the squad to gold in 2011 at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup and representing his country at multiple EuroBasket and European Championship events.
In the most recent 2023 FIBA Basketball World Cup, he averaged 14.8 points and 8.8 rebounds and was named to the All‑FIBA World Cup Second Team.
By reaffirming his commitment to the Nuggets, Valanciunas has not only dispelled offseason uncertainty but also strengthened Denver’s quest for another NBA title.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 21, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
