On the newest flip within the offseason saga, veteran NBA middle Jonas Valanciunas is reportedly weighing a high-value provide from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos over staying within the NBA—even after being traded to the Denver Nuggets. Sources say he might pursue a buyout to hitch the EuroLeague contender. This determination may reshape his legacy—and ship shockwaves by way of the NBA commerce equipment.
From the Kings to Nuggets — and Possibly Europe
On July 2–3, 2025, Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek broke the information: Valanciunas was traded from Sacramento to Denver in alternate for Dario Saric however might not keep within the NBA subsequent season. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that taking part in in Europe “holds robust enchantment” to Valanciunas, who’s exploring a possible buyout of the remaining ~$20 million on his contract.
Donatas Urbonas and Karolis Tiskevicius of BasketNews report that Panathinaikos has tabled a close to €12 million web provide over three years—roughly $13 million USD—to convey him in as a central constructing block for a title bid in Athens.
The Tweets Shaping the Narrative
The story has been amplified on social media, together with these key tweets:
Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo): “Jonas Valanciunas is contemplating a surprising EuroLeague transfer and exiting the NBA. Per BasketNews sources, Valanciunas was lured by Panathinaikos’ multi-year provide.”
StatMuse (@statmuse): “Jonas Valanciunas in 13 seasons: —13.1 PPG (25.1 MPG)—9.3 RPG—56.0 FG%—Prime 10 within the league in 10/10 video games in that stretch.”
David MacKay (@DavidMacKayNBA): “Personally, I’d like to see Jonas Valanciunas compete for a hoop with Denver. He was traded to Memphis the yr Toronto received it … and was not awarded one.”
These viewpoints mirror admiration for his consistency and lingering remorse he has but to win an NBA title. But the Panathinaikos provide presents competing visions: ring pursuit in a reserve function versus starring and incomes in Europe.
Why Panathinaikos? Why Europe?
Becoming a member of Panathinaikos provides Valanciunas a starring function on a workforce recent off sweeping the Greek Cup and reaching the EuroLeague Ultimate 4. The membership additionally simply received the 2023–24 EuroLeague championship, and stays among the many few European sides with true championship pedigree.
Key motivations for Valanciunas may embody:
Assured web earnings: The Greek deal assures round €12 million web—considerably greater than equal NBA take-home after tax.
Lengthy-term stability: A 3-year deal secures his future past the standard year-to-year NBA shuffle.
Main function: At 6 ft 11, with elite rebounding and effectivity (56% FG profession), he would anchor Panathinaikos’s frontcourt in EuroLeague competition.
Legacy and match: Returning to Europe is emotionally resonant for the Lithuanian nationwide workforce star—providing the possibility to assist a storied membership chase titles and cement his legacy.
NBA Commerce Meets European Ambition
Importantly, the commerce to Denver isn’t voided by his determination to go abroad. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reviews the Nuggets–Kings commerce will nonetheless shut on Sunday as scheduled—even when Valanciunas chooses to depart—with Saric shifting to Sacramento anyway.
If Valanciunas chooses Europe, he would probably request a buyout or be waived by Denver—successfully strolling away from assured wage in alternate for the European provide. As Urbonas notes, the EuroLeague provide presents a unique alternative: “long-term stability, a significant function, and a workforce constructed to contend for the EuroLeague title.”
How Followers and Insiders React
Reddit threads on r/nba claimed Valanciunas had “verbally dedicated” to Panathinaikos, although the put up was eliminated by moderators—so deal with that with warning. Nonetheless, the cumulative indicators—from unbiased tweets to BasketNews reporting—paint a transparent image of great negotiation.
NBA followers and EuroLeague watchers are cut up. Some lament he might miss one other shot at an NBA ring, particularly given Nuggets followers’ pleasure for his becoming a member of Nikola Jokic as Jokic’s backup. Others see a savvy transfer: capitalizing on his peak incomes years and returning to European followers who respect his worldwide status.
What’s at Stake for the Nuggets?
Denver envisioned Valanciunas as a veteran huge man to enrich Jokic in high-stakes playoff moments. If he opts out, they lose a dependable inside presence—however they did purchase Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to offset frontcourt depth.
Furthermore, the transfer underscores the uncertainty of interconnected NBA trades: groups should account for gamers pursuing abroad alternatives even mid-offseason. The Nuggets will probably search inside options or look to commerce once more if Valanciunas exits.
Valanciunas’s Profession Arc and Legacy
Drafted fifth total in 2011 by the Raptors, Valanciunas has delivered constant manufacturing: over 13 NBA seasons he has averaged 13.1 factors, 9.3 rebounds, and shot 56% from the sphere—rating high ten in rebounding for ten consecutive seasons.
But he has by no means received an NBA championship. He missed out on Toronto’s 2019 ring after being traded to Memphis. Sacramento by no means reached the Finals throughout his tenure. For a lot of, the dearth of a title looms massive in assessing his legacy. David MacKay helps voice that irony: traded the yr Toronto received it, and nonetheless ready on his personal ring.
Returning to Europe now presents the possibility to construct on his nationwide hero standing and win titles with a significant EuroLeague membership—maybe lastly tasting the championship success he has chased in North America.
The Ultimate Choice: NBA or EuroLeague?
As of July 3, 2025, Valanciunas is claimed to be “near accepting” the Panathinaikos deal, although nothing is finalized. He nonetheless has the choice of remaining with the Nuggets, sitting out video games, or pursuing a buyout for partial wage. A call is predicted within the coming days.
If he indicators in Greece, it might mark one of many uncommon instances of a veteran NBA starter strolling away from assured wage to return to Europe—a significant assertion in regards to the shifting monetary and cultural energy of the EuroLeague.
Implications for Stakeholders
For Valanciunas: More cash in hand, starring function, EuroLeague titles, and legacy alignment with nationwide delight.
For Panathinaikos: Acquisition of confirmed NBA-level inside presence, boosting their title window and European profile.
Nuggets: A plan B might be essential. They’ll nonetheless obtain Saric, however now lack dependable backup minutes behind Jokic.
NBA/GMs: Reminder that European presents stay potent leverage. World competitors for veteran expertise has intensified.
Conclusion: A Daring Transfer or A Misstep?
Jonas Valanciunas is dealing with a crossroads: proceed as an NBA function participant chasing a hoop, or embrace European stardom and monetary assure. Each paths provide totally different sorts of status. If he indicators with Panathinaikos, it should mark a high-profile shift within the world basketball labor market and underline the rising parity between NBA and EuroLeague alternatives.
This determination may function a blueprint for future veterans weighing late-career selections. And whichever course he chooses—NBA or Europe—nothing about Valanciunas’s legacy would be the identical.
