Jonas Valanciunas Drops Stunning Reveal: Why Denver Is His Unstoppable Choice This Season

Valanciunas is under contract for .4 million for this season, and he has a non-guaranteed million for the 2026-27 season. After Denver made the trade to acquire the veteran center from Lithuania, general manager Ben Tenzer said he spoke with Valanciunas and his representatives, stating that they wanted him to play with them this season and that there was no intention to buy him out. (For Valanciunas to play in Greece next season would have required Denver to agree to a buyout to make him a free agent, FIBA rules do not permit a player under contract in one league to just sign a contract with another.)

Valanciunas is critical to Denver’s plans next season, which is why there was never a plan to buy him out of his contract. For a number of years — including during their championship run in 2023 — the Nuggets have fallen off sharply in the minutes Jokic was off the court. Last season, the Nuggets had a -8.5 net rating in the non-Jokic minutes, and in the 2023 championship season, it was even worse, at -9.9. Valanciunas helps change that because he is a skilled big man who can serve as the hub of an offense, executing dribble handoffs while midrange shots (inside 15 feet). Paired with Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, and the emerging Julian Strawther, the Nuggets have real depth for a change.
Jonas Valanciunas’ flirtation with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos was real and they reportedly were willing to offer three years, million (one of the largest contracts on the continent).“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.”The problem for Valanciunas: He was already under contract to the Denver Nuggets, who had traded for his rights from the Sacramento Kings. Denver had no intention of buying out Valanciunas, he is the best backup center Nikola Jokić will have ever had and a key part of the depth the team added over the summer to chase another ring. Valanciunas confirmed he is committed to the Nuggets next season, speaking to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.The whispers around Jonas Valanciunas heading to Panathinaikos had more buzz than just chatter — the Greek giants reportedly dangled a hefty three-year, million contract, one of the juiciest on European soil. Yet, here’s the kicker: Valanciunas was already locked in with the Denver Nuggets, fresh off a trade from Sacramento. Denver’s front office wasn’t about to let go of their prize backup center, a vital cog supporting Nikola Jokić and shoring up the bench as they chase another championship title. Jonas himself didn’t mince words when he spoke candidly to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com, making it crystal clear that his heart and hustle will be with the Nuggets this coming season. Stakes are high, contracts are in place, and plans are set — with Valanciunas at the center of Denver’s strategic depth chart, ready to tip the balance when Jokic sits out. Those Nuggets fans… better brace for a season that could get really interesting. LEARN MORE