Jonas Valanciunas Eyes Stunning EuroLeague Move After Nuggets Trade
So here's the big news—Jonas Valanciunas, the seasoned Lithuanian center, might be turning heads in a totally unexpected direction. Just days after being traded from the Sacramento Kings to the Denver Nuggets, Valanciunas is reportedly eyeing a major move away from the NBA. And not just any move—he could be heading back to Europe to join Panathinaikos Athens, one of the EuroLeague's most historic and competitive clubs.
Now, let's take a second to unpack this. The Nuggets picked up Valanciunas as part of a trade involving Dario Saric, seemingly to bolster their frontcourt depth behind Nikola Jokić. On paper, that made a lot of sense. Valanciunas is a big body, a reliable veteran, and someone who can give solid minutes with his scoring and rebounding, even at 33 years old. Last season, he averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game—solid numbers for a role player.
Also Read:- Tragedy Strikes After Mello Buckzz's Album Party in River North
- FDA Issues Highest Risk Recall for Blueberries Over Listeria Fears
But despite the trade just becoming public, reports are already suggesting that Valanciunas is on the verge of signing a three-year, $12 million deal with Panathinaikos. That’s nearly the same money he’s set to make in the NBA this year ($10.4 million), but it comes with more long-term security and likely a more central role. That’s big for a guy who’s played for five NBA teams over a 15-year career, starting with the Raptors back in 2012.
Apparently, playing in Europe has strong appeal for him—and it’s not just about the money. It could be lifestyle, legacy, or maybe just the opportunity to be “the guy” again. And the Nuggets? They might not even get to use the player they just acquired. That trade isn’t even official yet, and Valanciunas might already be asking for a buyout.
It’s a reminder that in today’s NBA, player movement isn't always about which team wins a trade. Sometimes it’s about where a player wants to be—and right now, Valanciunas seems to be leaning toward Athens, not Denver. If this move goes through, it’ll be one of the most unexpected offseason twists, shaking up not just the NBA, but also boosting the profile of EuroLeague basketball in a big way.
Keep an eye on this—because if Valanciunas does make the jump, it might open the door for other vets looking for a fresh chapter overseas.
Read More:
0 Comments