Could New Nuggets Star Jonas Valanciunas Make a Surprise Move to Greece? Exploring the Trade Possibilities

Hold off on that Jonas Valančiūnas Nuggets gear for now.

The seasoned big man is reportedly “close” to joining Panathinaikos in Greece. This news comes after the Nuggets had just agreed to acquire him from the Kings. According to BasketNews, Valančiūnas could sign a three-year deal worth around $13 million per season.

The Nuggets were set to pay him $10.395 million this upcoming season, plus a team option for $10 million in 2026-27. Now, Valančiūnas may aim for a buyout, which could complicate things for both NBA teams involved, as noted by NBA insider Marc Stein.

The Nuggets traded Dario Šarić to the Kings for Valančiūnas, but this deal won’t finalize until the new league year starts on July 6. Despite the uncertainty, the teams still intend to move forward, according to The Denver Post.

This trade could provide the Nuggets with a solid backup for star player Nikola Jokić, while also benefiting the Kings by freeing up future space as Šarić’s contract is nearing its end.

Valančiūnas, originally from Lithuania, spent four seasons in Europe before joining the NBA. When he first learned about the Nuggets trade, he was excited to join a team with championship aspirations. However, the offer from Panathinaikos has shifted his priorities, offering both financial stability and competitive play.

Joining a EuroLeague powerhouse like Panathinaikos isn’t as simple as it sounds. The Nuggets still hold his rights, complicating any move to Europe. Discussions around buyouts or contract adjustments could soon take place, especially with few quality centers available for the Nuggets. Al Horford, for instance, is still yet to finalize a deal.

The Nuggets are in a transition phase after their latest playoff run, which ended in a tough seven-game series against the champion Thunder. Earlier this offseason, they made headlines by trading Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets for Cam Johnson.

Throughout his 13-season career, Valančiūnas has played for five teams, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season. His career numbers stand at about 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. As discussions unfold, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see where Valančiūnas ultimately ends up.

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