Jonas Valanciunas – Mathias Lessort, the future dynamic center duo at Panathinaikos?
Apr 11, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Clippers at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
Plot twist in the NBA! Jonas Valanciunas (2.11 m, 33 years old), recently traded from Sacramento Kings to Denver Nuggets, is seriously considering leaving the United States to join Panathinaikos Athens. The 33-year-old Lithuanian center has reportedly given his verbal agreement to the Greek club, according to multiple sources.
A source close to the situation tells us that Jonas Valanciunas has verbally agreed to sign in Europe and is expected to land in Athens tomorrow morning. He is also willing to give up the full amount owed by the Nuggets to leave the NBA. More info: https://t.co/Mv1oPVaGEE pic.twitter.com/sQd76Z12ST
— League Alerts (@LeagueAlerts) July 4, 2025
A financial and sporting choice motivated by the desire to regain a central role
The 5th pick of the 2011 Draft seems tired of his NBA status, where his role has significantly diminished in recent years. Despite a $23.4 million contract over two seasons with Denver, including $10.4 million guaranteed for next season, Valanciunas would prefer returning to Europe.
Panathinaikos is offering him a three-year contract worth 12 million euros, approximately $14.1 million. This amount, tax-free according to European standards, could prove more attractive than his NBA salary. More importantly, the Lithuanian would regain a prominent role in a team accustomed to playing leading roles in EuroLeague.
The 2024 EuroLeague champion already has a strengthened roster with several former NBA players like Kendrick Nunn, Cedi Osman, Juancho Hernangomez, and Jerian Grant. Most notably, he would form a luxury center duo with Frenchman Mathias Lessort. Valanciunas would find the opportunity to feel important and contribute to the Greek club’s quest for an eighth European title.
Contractual complications to resolve
The situation remains complex administratively. The trade with Denver can only be finalized from July 6, meaning Valanciunas technically still belongs to the Kings. If he truly wants to leave, he’ll need to negotiate his release with Sacramento.
This season, the Utena native averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in 81 games between Washington and Sacramento. His modest statistics reflect a diminished role, far from his best years in Toronto or Memphis.
For Denver, this would be a setback after counting on Valanciunas as Nikola Jokic’s backup. The Nuggets would then need to quickly find a Plan B to strengthen their frontcourt, having only given up Dario Saric in the trade.
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