Jonas Valanciunas Told To Fulfill Contract
The Denver Nuggets have informed veteran Center Jonas Valanciunas that they expect him to remain with his current NBA deal, ending speculation of a hasty move to the EuroLeague. The Nuggets’ desire for Valanciunas to honor his contract and not play overseas is an unexpected situation in the offseason. The basketball community has been affected by this trend, which has drawn attention to the conflict between players’ aspirations for new opportunities overseas and their contractual commitments.
Jonas Valanciunas Trade To Denver
The Sacramento Kings moved Valanciunas to the Denver Nuggets in July 2025 as part of a three-team deal. According to his current NBA contract, he has a $10 million team option for the 2026–2027 season and is guaranteed $10.4 million for the 2025–2026 season. The acquisition of Valanciunas was one of the trades that helped the Denver Nuggets win this offseason. He would be Denver’s best backup center during the Nikola Jokic era. However, reports state that Valanciunas desired to play in Europe.
Desire To Play In Europe
When he discussed a return to Europe with representatives of Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, they reportedly offered him a three-year contract worth $13 million, making him one of the highest-paid players in the European league. It’s not Valanciunas’ call, which is the issue. Not even Panathinaikos calls either. It is Denver’s decision. The center is unable to leave the Nuggets and forgo his two-year, $20.4 million contract. FIBA regulations govern such matters.
Nuggets’ Firm Stance
The organization views him as a dependable veteran backup to Jokić, even though he hasn’t yet played a minute in a Nuggets uniform. He is essential for adding minutes while Jokić is taking a break. Despite his preference for Greece, Valanciunas was neither waived nor bought out by the Denver Nuggets. Instead, they conveyed a “blunt 3-word message: ‘Honor Your Contract,'” according to NBA insiders.
Denver intends to keep him on the team and utilize his seasoned expertise, according to ESPN. Additionally, before players may join foreign clubs, NBA teams must formally release them, according to FIBA, the sport’s international governing body. Valanciunas has a contractual and legal obligation to remain in place without Denver’s assistance.
Europe’s Offer
The Greek EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos made an attractive offer. A three-year contract worth approximately $13 million net, which is significantly more than he would receive under US taxation. With preseason preparations and fanfare already in place, the Greek team anticipated his arrival by early July. Until the three-trade with Denver occurred.
From Valanciunas’ perspective, the EuroLeague offered a consistent role for playing time. Financial stability in euros, tax-free, and a shorter travel schedule and lighter workload. This appeal gained strength given his past three years of instability, as he had bounced between Memphis, New Orleans, and Sacramento.
Conclusion
It will take Denver’s consent and a long road before Valanciunas can play in Greece next season. A player under contract requires a FIBA “letter of clearance” to join another team, according to FIBA regulations, which oversee international basketball. NBA teams attempting to recruit European players or European teams trying to sign NBA players are subject to this law.
In this instance, it would require a buyout agreement between the big man and the Nuggets, which would release him from his contract (the Nuggets would probably expect him to give up all of that money). Valanciunas could then sign the letter once FIBA issued it.
Denver will probably bring Valanciunas back this season to see how things work out. Although the Nuggets upgraded this offseason and are firm favorites for another ring, Denver and Valanciunas may work out a buyout in a year. They will not allow Valanciunas to leave.
