Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas has received a lucrative three-year offer from EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos worth nearly €12 million, according to BasketNews. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed he report.
NBA insider Jake Fischer reported that while Valanciunas is engaged in ongoing talks with the Denver Nuggets, the Greek club’s proposal remains a serious option for the 33-year-old. Sources indicate that his decision will not affect the recently finalized trade between Sacramento and Denver.
Stein added that the Nuggets would like to keep the veteran and are lobbying Valanciunas to stay in the NBA.
Valanciunas, who split the 2024–25 NBA season between the Washington Wizards and Sacramento Kings before being traded to Denver, is expected to compete for backup minutes behind Nikola Jokic. His current NBA contract has two years remaining at $30.3 million, which would require a buyout if he chooses to return to Europe.
The Lithuanian big man boasts over a decade of NBA experience, having appeared in 937 regular season games and averaging 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks per game. In the 2024–25 campaign, he posted averages of 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds in limited minutes with Sacramento.
Panathinaikos, who finished third in the EuroLeague regular season with a 22–12 record, are looking to bolster their frontcourt as they aim for a deeper playoff run. The club’s aggressive pursuit signals their intent to compete with rivals Olympiacos and other European contenders at the highest level.
Valanciunas’ decision will hinge on whether he prefers to remain in the NBA, contributing as a reserve for a championship-caliber Nuggets squad, or take on a larger role and more guaranteed playing time with Panathinaikos.
