At the latest turn in the offseason saga, veteran NBA center Jonas Valanciunas is reportedly weighing a high-value offer from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos over staying in the NBA—even after being traded to the Denver Nuggets. Sources say he may pursue a buyout to join the EuroLeague contender. This decision could reshape his legacy—and send shockwaves through the NBA trade machinery.
From the Kings to Nuggets — and Maybe Europe
On July 2–3, 2025, Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek broke the news: Valanciunas was traded from Sacramento to Denver in exchange for Dario Saric but may not stay in the NBA next season. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that playing in Europe “holds strong appeal” to Valanciunas, who is exploring a potential buyout of the remaining ~$20 million on his contract.
Donatas Urbonas and Karolis Tiskevicius of BasketNews report that Panathinaikos has tabled a near €12 million net offer over three years—roughly $13 million USD—to bring him in as a central building block for a title bid in Athens.
The Tweets Shaping the Narrative
The story has been amplified on social media, including these key tweets:
Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo): “Jonas Valanciunas is considering a stunning EuroLeague move and exiting the NBA. Per BasketNews sources, Valanciunas was lured by Panathinaikos’ multi-year offer.”
StatMuse (@statmuse): “Jonas Valanciunas in 13 seasons: —13.1 PPG (25.1 MPG)—9.3 RPG—56.0 FG%—Top 10 in the league in 10/10 games in that stretch.”
David MacKay (@DavidMacKayNBA): “Personally, I would love to see Jonas Valanciunas compete for a ring with Denver. He was traded to Memphis the year Toronto won it … and was not awarded one.”
These viewpoints reflect admiration for his consistency and lingering regret he has yet to win an NBA title. Yet the Panathinaikos offer presents competing visions: ring pursuit in a reserve role versus starring and earning in Europe.
Why Panathinaikos? Why Europe?
Joining Panathinaikos gives Valanciunas a starring role on a team fresh off sweeping the Greek Cup and reaching the EuroLeague Final Four. The club also just won the 2023–24 EuroLeague championship, and remains among the few European sides with true championship pedigree.
Key motivations for Valanciunas could include:
- Guaranteed net income: The Greek deal assures around €12 million net—significantly more than equivalent NBA take-home after tax.
- Long-term stability: A three-year deal secures his future beyond the typical year-to-year NBA shuffle.
- Leading role: At 6 ft 11, with elite rebounding and efficiency (56% FG career), he would anchor Panathinaikos’s frontcourt in EuroLeague contention.
- Legacy and fit: Returning to Europe is emotionally resonant for the Lithuanian national team star—offering the chance to help a storied club chase titles and cement his legacy.
NBA Trade Meets European Ambition
Importantly, the trade to Denver isn’t voided by his decision to go overseas. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reports the Nuggets–Kings trade will still close on Sunday as scheduled—even if Valanciunas chooses to depart—with Saric moving to Sacramento anyway.
If Valanciunas chooses Europe, he would likely request a buyout or be waived by Denver—effectively walking away from guaranteed salary in exchange for the European offer. As Urbonas notes, the EuroLeague offer presents a different opportunity: “long-term stability, a major role, and a team built to contend for the EuroLeague title.”
How Fans and Insiders React
Reddit threads on r/nba claimed Valanciunas had “verbally committed” to Panathinaikos, though the post was removed by moderators—so treat that with caution. Still, the cumulative signals—from independent tweets to BasketNews reporting—paint a clear picture of serious negotiation.
NBA fans and EuroLeague watchers are split. Some lament he may miss another shot at an NBA ring, especially given Nuggets fans’ excitement for his joining Nikola Jokic as Jokic’s backup. Others see a savvy move: capitalizing on his peak earning years and returning to European fans who respect his international reputation.
What’s at Stake for the Nuggets?
Denver envisioned Valanciunas as a veteran big man to complement Jokic in high-stakes playoff moments. If he opts out, they lose a reliable inside presence—but they did acquire Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. to offset frontcourt depth.
Moreover, the move underscores the uncertainty of interconnected NBA trades: teams must account for players pursuing overseas opportunities even mid-offseason. The Nuggets will likely seek internal solutions or look to trade again if Valanciunas exits.
Valanciunas’s Career Arc and Legacy
Drafted 5th overall in 2011 by the Raptors, Valanciunas has delivered consistent production: over 13 NBA seasons he has averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and shot 56% from the field—ranking top ten in rebounding for ten consecutive seasons.
Yet he has never won an NBA championship. He missed out on Toronto’s 2019 ring after being traded to Memphis. Sacramento never reached the Finals during his tenure. For many, the lack of a title looms large in assessing his legacy. David MacKay helps voice that irony: traded the year Toronto won it, and still waiting on his own ring.
Returning to Europe now offers the chance to build on his national hero status and win titles with a major EuroLeague club—perhaps finally tasting the championship success he has chased in North America.
The Final Decision: NBA or EuroLeague?
As of July 3, 2025, Valanciunas is said to be “close to accepting” the Panathinaikos deal, though nothing is finalized. He still has the option of remaining with the Nuggets, sitting out games, or pursuing a buyout for partial salary. A decision is expected in the coming days.
If he signs in Greece, it would mark one of the rare cases of a veteran NBA starter walking away from guaranteed salary to return to Europe—a major statement about the shifting financial and cultural power of the EuroLeague.
Implications for Stakeholders
- For Valanciunas: More money in hand, starring role, EuroLeague titles, and legacy alignment with national pride.
- For Panathinaikos: Acquisition of confirmed NBA-level interior presence, boosting their title window and European profile.
- Nuggets: A plan B will be necessary. They will still receive Saric, but now lack reliable backup minutes behind Jokic.
- NBA/GMs: Reminder that European offers remain potent leverage. Global competition for veteran talent has intensified.
Conclusion: A Bold Move or A Misstep?
Jonas Valanciunas is facing a crossroads: continue as an NBA role player chasing a ring, or embrace European stardom and financial guarantee. Both paths offer different kinds of prestige. If he signs with Panathinaikos, it will mark a high-profile shift in the global basketball labor market and underline the growing parity between NBA and EuroLeague opportunities.
This decision could serve as a blueprint for future veterans weighing late-career choices. And whichever direction he chooses—NBA or Europe—nothing about Valanciunas’s legacy will be the same.
