There currently appears to be no sign that big man Jonas Valanciunas will be negotiating a buyout of his NBA contract, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com.
His new team, the Denver Nuggets, has reportedly expressed a strong interest in keeping the veteran center for the 2025/26 season and beyond.
This development significantly reduces the chances of Valanciunas heading to Europe in the near future – particularly to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, which had been eyeing the Lithuanian big man as a key frontcourt addition.
According to SDNA, with credit to Sportando for relaying the update, Panathinaikos had been targeting Valanciunas with a proposed three-year deal.
However, those plans have now stalled due to his ongoing NBA commitment.
As it becomes increasingly likely that Valanciunas will remain with the Nuggets, Panathinaikos is beginning to explore other options to strengthen its interior presence.
The club is expected to shift its focus to alternative targets as it prepares for the upcoming EuroLeague season.
International Notes: Brissett, Valanciunas, Bamba, Micic, Cordinier https://t.co/0QRlGsVzNR pic.twitter.com/L4ZateBsAT
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 15, 2025
