Jonas Valanciunas, one of the NBA’s most reliable veteran rebounders, could be nearing a surprising exit from the league, according to recent reports.
Rumors suggest the 33-year-old center, currently expected to join the Denver Nuggets via trade, is considering a lucrative contract offer from Panathinaikos Athens in Greece. If true, this would mark a significant turn in Valanciunas’s career, as he was poised to compete for an NBA championship with Denver.
The move raises questions about the Nuggets’ roster plans and highlights the appeal of European basketball for established veterans seeking stability and proximity to home.
NBA Veteran Jonas Valanciunas Rumored to Head to Europe on Major Deal, Pending Buyout
According to sources close to BasketNews, Valanciunas is nearing agreement on a three-year deal with Panathinaikos Athens worth approximately €12 million (about $13 million).
This offer would provide the Lithuanian big man with long-term security and a prominent role on one of Europe’s top teams, while also allowing his family to be closer to home.
Valanciunas’s current NBA contract, originally signed with the New Orleans Pelicans for three years and about $30 million, is set to expire soon, making the European option especially attractive for both personal and professional reasons.
This development adds complexity to the planned trade between the Sacramento Kings and the Denver Nuggets.
Valanciunas was expected to join the Nuggets in exchange for forward Dario Saric, but the possibility of a buyout and a move to Europe now looms over the deal.
For Denver, losing Valanciunas would create a need for a reliable backup center behind Nikola Jokic, a key piece in their championship aspirations. The Nuggets, however, may view this as an opportunity to move Saric’s contract, which pays $5.1 million this season and includes a $5.4 million player option for next year.
Meanwhile, the Kings have their own reasons for wanting the trade to proceed. Sacramento is rumored to be in discussions with the Golden State Warriors to send Saric, if acquired, in a package for rising forward Jonathan Kuminga.
This would help the Kings address roster needs and salary cap considerations, but the outcome remains uncertain as negotiations continue.
Another update on Jonas Valanciunas: Discussions are fluid between the veteran center and Denver, sources say, while he’s received a lucrative offer from Panathinaikos in Greece. I’m told, though, that any outcome here won’t impact the trade between Sacramento and Denver.
— Jake Fischer (@JakeLFischer) July 3, 2025
As reported by NBA insider Jake Fischer, Valanciunas is weighing his options between Denver and Panathinaikos, but these discussions are not expected to derail the trade between the Kings and Nuggets.
According to the Stein Line, Denver is also hoping to persuade Valanciunas to remain in the NBA after the trade is finalized, rather than pursue a buyout. Regardless of Valanciunas’s decision, the trade between Sacramento and Denver is set to proceed as planned.
If Valanciunas does agree to terms with Panathinaikos, he would then negotiate a buyout with the Nuggets to facilitate his move to Europe.
Throughout his NBA career, Valanciunas has averaged 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, with multiple double-digit rebounding seasons, making him a valuable asset for any team.
His potential departure would leave a notable gap in Denver’s rotation, but the Nuggets still have options in free agency to address their needs.