The Denver Nuggets' acquisition of center Jonas Valančiūnas was set to give the team some important flexibility down low, especially in the minutes without three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. However, it is still unclear whether Valančiūnas, a 33-year-old Lithuania native who has been in the NBA since 2012, will play the 2025–26 season stateside.
Valančiūnas, who has two years remaining on the deal he signed with the Sacramento Kings last offseason, has reportedly been pursued by Greek team Panathinaikos for a potential return to pro hoops in Europe. The Nuggets intend to have Valančiūnas honor his NBA contract, however, per ESPN.
