Photo: FIBA

Jonas Valanciunas nearly gave European basketball fans a major surprise this summer. After Denver traded for the veteran center in early July, reports quickly emerged that he was in deep talks with Panathinaikos on a potential three-year deal.

The Greek club, fresh off a strong EuroLeague campaign, reportedly made a compelling offer. But Valanciunas ultimately reaffirmed his NBA commitment.

“The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait,” he said.

A move to Athens would have brought the Lithuanian star much closer to his roots and allowed him to rejoin the European basketball landscape, where he first made his name.

Though the door to EuroLeague competition appears to be closed for now, his statement leaves the possibility open for the future.

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