Jonas Valanciunas has officially shut down speculation about a possible return to Europe, confirming he intends to honor his contract with the Denver Nuggets for the upcoming season.
“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me,” Valanciunas told BasketNews on Monday. “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.”
The 6-foot-11 center became part of the Nuggets’ plans after being acquired from the Sacramento Kings earlier this month.
But reports quickly surfaced that Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos was attempting to lure the Lithuanian big man back overseas. With one fully guaranteed year left on his deal worth approximately $10 million, Valanciunas chose to stay in the NBA.
Nuggets executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer said last week there were “no concerns” about Valanciunas reporting to Denver.
“There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer said.
Nuggets general manager Jonathan Wallace added, “Their plan is for him to get here sooner than later, but still working through that. We’ll approach it at that time.”
The 33-year-old averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and two assists over 81 games last season while splitting time between Washington and Sacramento. Denver is counting on him to provide quality minutes behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who logged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game in 2024-25.
Valanciunas is also set to play for Lithuania at FIBA EuroBasket this summer, where Denver officials could reportedly check in on their new center’s progress.
READ MORE: Denver Confident Jonas Valanciunas Will Report After Trade