When the Denver Nuggets traded Dario Saric for Jonas Valanciunas, it felt like a dream come true for Nuggets supporters. This was a move that many considered unlikely but could resolve the ongoing issue of the non-Nikola Jokic minutes, the crucial moments in every playoff game that often decide Denver’s fate.
However, the excitement surrounding the trade soon turned into uncertainty due to reports about whether the Lithuanian center genuinely wanted to join Denver, particularly with rumors of him negotiating a contract with Greek basketball team Panathinaikos. There were numerous speculations within the NBA community, and optimism about acquiring a capable backup for Jokic began to wane.
Jonas Valanciunas opens up about staying with Nuggets
Fortunately for Nuggets fans, recent discussions have returned to affirming that Valanciunas will indeed be in the Mile High City this season. Team officials stated on Friday that they have ‘no concerns’ about his presence in Denver, and Valanciunas himself clarified any doubts on Monday.
He conveyed to Donatas Urbonas from BasketNews: “I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship,”
Jonas Valanciunas spoke with me to clear the air on the Nuggets and Panathinaikos situation:
“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very…
— Donatas Urbonas (@Urbodo) July 21, 2025
This situation can finally be settled. The Nuggets now have their solution for the bench unit, and he is committed to staying—at least for this season. His contract is entirely guaranteed for the 2025-26 season, with the final year featuring a non-guaranteed team option, providing considerable flexibility depending on how Valanciunas’ tenure in Denver unfolds this year.
Valanciunas appeared in only 21 games last season with the Kings and the Wizards, yet he achieved a shooting percentage of 55% from the field and nearly 88% from the free-throw line. Even while averaging under 20 minutes per game, he recorded 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game. He has been a reliable player throughout his career and will deliver precisely what the Nuggets require from their bench.
