Jonas Valanciunas, recently traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Denver Nuggets, is creating tension within the organization as he expresses a strong desire to leave the NBA and continue his career in Europe with Panathinaikos. This situation unfolds amid Denver’s insistence that Valanciunas honor the remaining two years of his three-year, $30.2 million contract.
Valanciunas, a Lithuanian center and former No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NBA draft, has been pursued by the Nuggets to serve as a backup to star center Nikola Jokic. Despite the team’s efforts, the veteran player has made clear his intention to transition to the European basketball league, focusing on an opportunity with Panathinaikos.
Reports have highlighted communication breakdowns surrounding Valanciunas’ plans. According to SDNA, while his agent notified Panathinaikos of his departure intentions, Denver Nuggets officials were not informed, leading to frustration. Journalist Evan Sidery noted that the Nuggets were “furious” over the lack of transparency but that Valanciunas remains committed to his move to Europe regardless of the dispute.
The trade that sent Valanciunas to Denver happened last week, exchanged for Dario Saric. Since then, negotiations and back-and-forth discussions between the player and the franchise have continued amid the uncertainty of his future in the NBA.
NBA insider Marc Stein revealed that Valanciunas is currently in Greece finalizing talks with Panathinaikos. Meanwhile, as reported by Shams Charania via ESPN, the Nuggets have contacted Valanciunas’ representatives, reiterating their intention for him to fulfill his NBA contract obligations.
The addition of Valanciunas was expected to bolster Denver’s roster as a reliable backup to Jokic, complementing the team‘s core during an offseason focused on restructuring. The Nuggets have concurrently made other roster adjustments, including trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson, and re-signing Bruce Brown Jr. to a one-year contract, as noted by Charania.
Denver’s Offseason Moves Gain Endorsement from Nikola Jokic
The Denver Nuggets have been among the most active NBA teams this offseason. Although challenged by the situation with Valanciunas, the team aims to have him available for the 2025–2026 season and has added several shooters to improve their lineup around Jokic.
New additions such as Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown Jr., and Tim Hardaway Jr.—a sharpshooter with a 36.1 percent three-point shooting rate—are expected to enhance the squad’s offensive versatility. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that Jokic is reportedly “pleased” with the summer acquisitions, which aim to strengthen the team while keeping its core intact.
“I was told, through second hand, that Jokic was very pleased with the Nuggets’ moves,” Windhorst said (30:15).
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
By maintaining their strong foundation and adding competent shooters, Denver intends to capitalize on Jokic’s prime years with the goal of contending for another NBA championship. The franchise’s focus remains on assembling a competitive roster that can support their superstar center effectively.