Jonas Valanciunas could be nearing the end of his time with the Denver Nuggets as both sides head toward an uncertain offseason.
The experienced Lithuanian big man holds a player option worth $10 million for next season, but with only $2 million guaranteed by Denver, the franchise has flexibility to explore trades or other financial solutions if it decides to move in a different direction.
Interest in Valanciunas from Europe continues to grow as well.
EuroLeague teams have monitored his situation closely, including Zalgiris, which reportedly presented him with a guaranteed two-year offer valued at more than €2 million per season.
Returning to Europe could give the veteran center an opportunity to play closer to home while stepping into a larger role than he currently holds in the NBA.
During an appearance on the Pikenrolas show on 15min, Valanciunas acknowledged that conversations about his next destination are already taking place.
“I received attention. Yes, there were talks with one team, another team, and the Lithuanian club. There are discussions, and we are deciding. But the final word belongs to Denver.”
“It depends on whether they trade me, keep me, or not,” he added. “I think everything will be clear in the first week of July, or maybe even earlier.”
Even with speculation surrounding his future, Valanciunas emphasized that he has no intention of creating tension with Denver or forcing an exit.
“I’m not the kind of player who would go and get angry with everyone,” he explained.
“I only get upset if there’s a reason, and right now there isn’t one. I wasn’t disrespected, and the team hasn’t done anything wrong, so I can’t just refuse to show up.”
Valanciunas weighs EuroLeague future amid Nuggets shakeup: “I received attention”https://t.co/lmhzmrPAvo
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 26, 2026
