Breaking NBA News: Jonas Valanciunas On Verge of a Shocking Move

Jonas Valanciunas wants to leave NBA for Europe

In a stunning turn of events, just two days after being traded to the Denver Nuggets, veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is on the verge of leaving the NBA after 13 seasons, and heading to Greece.

Jonas Valančiūnas is nearing a move to Panathinaikos, signaling a potential departure from the NBA, per @BasketNews_com pic.twitter.com/4liSLw57y1
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 3, 2025

Basketnews is reporting that Valanciunas is close to signing a deal with Greek EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos. It's a three-year contract worth $14 million USD (12 million Euros).

He has two years remaining on his contract, signed as a free agent with the Washington Wizards last summer. It pays him $10 million in each of the next two seasons, however, it's only guaranteed through the 2025–26 season, after which the Nuggets would have a team option. The Nuggets traded Dario Saric for him on Tuesday.

With his offer from Panathinaikos, Valanciunas would be potentially giving up money to make this move, and he would seek a buyout from the Nuggets, per insider Marc Stein.

League sources confirm that the lure of a return to Europe holds strong appeal to Jonas Valanciunas … which could lead to him seeking a buyout from his NBA contract to join Panathinaikos as @Urbodo reports.

Would scuttle what seemed like such a promising addition for Denver. https://t.co/U7UAb97t9v
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 3, 2025

JV was the 5th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors, where he spent the first 6 1/2 years of his career. He was traded at the deadline to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol in 2019, only to watch his former team go on to win the NBA championship without him.

Valanciunas has also spent time with the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings, and has averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 25.1 minutes per game.