The Denver Nuggets have made it clear this offseason that they need a dependable backup center behind Nikola Jokic. The front office moved quickly to address that concern by targeting veteran big man Jonas Valanciunas.
NBA insider Marc Stein broke the news on Sunday that the Nuggets were finalizing a deal to bring in Valanciunas. According to Stein, Denver remains focused on securing Valanciunas as Jokic’s primary backup despite unexpected overseas interest in the veteran.
“The Nuggets are going ahead with their trade for Jonas Valančiūnas on Sunday and remain determined to keep the veteran big man they hope to install as their backup to Nikola Jokić … despite Valančiūnas’ offer from Greek giants Panathinaikos,” Stein reported.
The Nuggets are going ahead with their trade for Jonas Valančiūnas on Sunday and remain determined to keep the veteran big man they hope to install as their backup to Nikola Jokić … despite Valančiūnas’ offer from Greek giants Panathinaikos, league sources tell @TheSteinLine. https://t.co/JV0ClVGcq7 pic.twitter.com/lSro8E0G6R
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 5, 2025
The trade was executed between the Nuggets and the Sacramento Kings, with Denver sending Dario Saric in exchange for Valanciunas. On paper, it looked like a solid move, but not everything has gone smoothly.
Shortly after the trade was agreed upon, reports surfaced that Valanciunas was exploring a buyout option to pursue a contract overseas. That left Denver in a tough position. The player they acquired to shore up their bench may never actually suit up in a Nuggets jersey.
Jonas Valanciunas Arrives In Athens Amid Unresolved Nuggets Deal
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Despite the reported deal with Denver, Valanciunas is believed to be seriously weighing a lucrative offer from Greek EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos.
“While there’s still no resolution on his NBA contract situation, Jonas Valanciunas appears to be moving forward with his reported plan to sign with the EuroLeague club Panathinaikos. According to Antonis Stroggylakis of Eurohoops, Valanciunas arrived in Athens on Friday with the intent of undergoing a physical and finalizing the terms of a lucrative three-year deal,” the report read.
There is a critical hurdle for Valanciunas if he hopes to leave the NBA and join Panathinaikos. He cannot receive FIBA clearance to sign overseas unless the Nuggets officially release him from his NBA contract. That condition places the ball firmly in Denver’s court.
