Jonas Valanciunas could possibly be getting into the ultimate stage of his NBA profession, and a number of indicators are pointing towards a potential transfer again to Europe forward of the 2026-27 season.
In keeping with Bennett Durando of The Denver Submit on Might 15, the veteran middle just isn’t anticipated to stay with the Denver Nuggets subsequent season regardless of having one 12 months left on his contract. Valanciunas is owed $10 million in 2026-27, however solely $2 million is assured.
Durando famous that Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos tried to signal the Lithuanian middle final summer season and is predicted to face further competitors from EuroLeague golf equipment this offseason. Lithuanian contender Zalgiris Kaunas has additionally been linked with the 32-year-old after ending fifth within the 2025-26 EuroLeague season.
The monetary construction of Valanciunas’ contract offers Denver a number of methods to maneuver on whereas creating wage flexibility round Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
The Nuggets may commerce Valanciunas to a different workforce prepared to soak up the remaining assured wage, waive him outright and take a $2 million cap hit, or use the NBA’s waive-and-stretch provision. Stretching the deal would unfold the assured cash over three seasons, decreasing Denver’s annual useless cap hit to roughly $666,667.
That flexibility issues for a Nuggets workforce making an attempt to stay aggressive within the Western Convention whereas additionally avoiding future luxury-tax penalties. Denver completed 54-28 this season earlier than dropping to the Minnesota Timberwolves in six video games through the first spherical of the playoffs.
Valanciunas had a restricted position behind Jokic through the season. He averaged 8.7 factors and 5.1 rebounds in 13.4 minutes throughout 65 video games whereas taking pictures 58.2% from the sphere. His postseason position shrank additional, as he appeared in solely 4 playoff video games and averaged 6.3 minutes.
A return to Europe may provide a bigger on-court position and a distinct way of life stability for the longtime NBA middle. Durando famous that taking part in in Europe would place Valanciunas nearer to his dwelling nation of Lithuania whereas permitting him to play extra constantly late in his profession.
Zalgiris would current a home-country storyline, whereas Panathinaikos has just lately positioned itself as one of the aggressive spenders in EuroLeague roster constructing. Both vacation spot would instantly add one of the completed facilities outdoors the NBA.
Valanciunas entered the league in 2012 and has performed for the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Nuggets throughout a prolonged NBA profession.
