Jonas Valanciunas Drops 5-Word Reaction to EuroLeague Rumors, Confirms Denver Nuggets Commitment for 2025-26?
Jonas Valanciunas
has officially confirmed that he will stay with the
Denver Nuggets
for the 2025-26 NBA season, putting an end to growing speculation about a possible return to European basketball.
The 6-foot-11 Lithuanian center turned down a lucrative three-year offer worth nearly €12 million (around $36 million) from Greek EuroLeague giants Panathinaikos, choosing instead to honor his current NBA contract.
In a statement to BasketNews.com, Valanciunas addressed the situation directly: '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 Denver Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship.
'
Jonas Valanciunas' Trade Background and Contract Details
Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) works the ball inside as Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends during the second half of an NBA basketball game Wednesday, March 5, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)
Jonas Valanciunas
was acquired by the Denver Nuggets in a July 2025 trade with the Sacramento Kings that sent Dario Šarić to California. The move was made to add veteran size and toughness next to MVP Nikola Jokić in the frontcourt. According to Nuggets executive VP of basketball operations Ben Tenzer, discussions with Valanciunas and his representatives were smooth, and there were 'no concerns' about him showing up for training camp.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Cat Keeps Hugging Friend Before Going To The Vet – The Vet Paled When He Saw Them
Tips and Tricks
Undo
The 33-year-old is entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, worth $10.4 million. There is also a non-guaranteed $10 million team option for the 2026-27 season. With Denver ruling out any potential buyout, the only route for an early exit would have been a holdout—something Valanciunas has decisively shut down.
Jonas Valanciunas' Expected Role with the Denver Nuggets
Jonas Valanciunas is coming off a solid season split between the Washington Wizards and
Sacramento Kings
, averaging 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 2 assists per game across 81 appearances.
He also shot 55% from the field and nearly 88% from the free-throw line. Denver plans to use him primarily as a reliable backup to Jokić, who logged a career-high 36.7 minutes per game last season. His presence is expected to solidify the second unit and reduce the MVP's workload.
This move finalizes an active offseason for Denver's front office, which also added Cameron Johnson, brought back Bruce Brown, and signed veteran scorer Tim Hardaway Jr.
The front office, led by Tenzer and GM Jonathan Wallace, is clearly focused on building a deeper roster after last season's narrow playoff exit.
NBA Over EuroLeague—for Now
Jonas Valanciunas is also preparing to represent Lithuania at the upcoming FIBA EuroBasket, which Denver officials may use as an opportunity to monitor his form and conditioning. Though the temptation of playing closer to home in the EuroLeague was strong, the veteran center remains locked in on competing at the NBA level.
In reaffirming his commitment, Valanciunas has provided clarity not only for Denver's front office and fans but also for the EuroLeague market. His decision highlights a dedication to honoring his current NBA obligations while keeping the door open for a potential European return down the line.
Also read:
Lakers Rumor: Dalton Knecht's Trade Value Reportedly Tanks After Disappointing Summer League Showing With Los Angeles
For now, Jonas' focus is clear and that is to help the Denver Nuggets contend for another title.
Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
First Post
an hour ago
- First Post
Ballon d'Or 2025 Nominees: Mbappe, Yamal, Salah, top contenders in 30-member list but no sign of Ronaldo and Messi
The full list of men's and women's Ballon d'Or 2025 nominees have been revealed ahead of the ceremony, which will be held in September 2025. read more The nominees for the men's and women's Ballon d'Or 2025 have been announced, along with the candidates for several other coveted accolades rendered every year to the finest football performances of the year from the world stage. The 2024-25 season witnessed stellar performances being delivered from different leagues of the world. However, it is the top five European leagues that dominate the proceedings and the Ballon d'Or winner, who is considered the best footballer of the year, comes from a European league generally. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Manchester City midfielder Rodri is the current holder of the Men's Ballon d'Or Award. Whereas, Aitana Bonmatí of Barcelona is the reigning winner of the Ballon d'Or Féminin More from Football Progressing to identify the next winner, the 30-member lists for the Ballon d'Or 2025 for both men and women respectively are out. 2025 men's Ballon d'Or 30-man list Jude Bellingham- Real Madrid Ousmane Dembélé- Paris Saint-Germain Gianluigi Donnarumma- Paris Saint-Germain Désiré Doué- Paris Saint-Germain Denzel Dumfries- Inter Milan Serhou Guirassy- Borussia Dortmund Erling Haaland- Manchester City Viktor Gyökeres- Sporting Lisbon / Arsenal Robert Lewandowski- Barcelona Achraf Hakimi- Paris Saint-Germain Harry Kane- Bayern Munich Khvicha Kvaratskhelia- Paris Saint-Germain Alexis Mac Allister- Liverpool Lautaro Martinez- Inter Milan Scott McTominay- Napoli Kylian Mbappé- Real Madrid João Neves- Paris Saint-Germain Nuno Mendes- Paris Saint-Germain Michael Olise- Bayern Munich Cole Palmer- Chelsea Pedri- Barcelona Fabián Ruiz- Paris Saint-Germain Declan Rice- Arsenal Raphinha- Barcelona Mohamed Salah- Liverpool Vinícius Júnior- Real Madrid Virgil van Dijk- Liverpool Vitinha- Paris Saint-Germain Florian Wirtz- Bayer Leverkusen / Liverpool Lamine Yamal- Barcelona Women's Ballon d'Or 2025 Nominees Sandy Baltimore- Chelsea Barbra Banda- Orlando Pride Aitana Bonmatí- Barcelona Lucy Bronze- Chelsea Klara Bühl- Bayern Munich Mariona Caldentey- Arsenal Sofia Cantore- Washington Spirit Steph Catley- Arsenal Temwa Chawinga- Kansas City Current Melchie Dumornay - Olympique Lyon Emily Fox- Arsenal Cristina Girelli- Juventus Esther González- NY/NJ Gotham FC Caroline Graham Hansen- Barcelona Hannah Hampton- Chelsea Pernille Harder- Bayern Munich Patri Guijarro- Barcelona Amanda Gutierres- Palmeiras Lindsey Heaps- Olympique Lyon Chloe Kelly- Manchester City / Arsenal Frida Leonhardsen- Maanum Arsenal Marta- Orlando Pride Clara Mateo- Paris FC Ewa Pajor- Barcelona Clàudia Pina- Barcelona Alexia Putellas- Barcelona Alessia Russo- Arsenal Johanna Rytting Kaneryd- Chelsea Caroline Weir- Real Madrid Leah Williamson- Arsenal First awarded in 1956, the Ballon d'Or is an annual award ceremony that recognises outstanding performances in football. The top prizes, known as the Ballon d'Or awards, are handed to the best male and female footballers. Organised by France Football, the event also includes awards for young players, goalkeepers, coaches, and clubs.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Eddy Curry offers his perspective on LeBron James' first NBA title win in 2012
via Getty Images: Eddy Curry and LeBron James During his ten-year NBA career, Eddy Curry played with many iconic players. The one who made the strongest impact on him was LeBron James during the Miami Heat's 2011-12 championship season. Curry appeared in just 14 games that year, but he still saw LeBron's extraordinary skills and mental toughness up close. Eddy Curry claims to have witnessed greatness from LeBron James in 2012 After a painful loss to the Dallas Mavericks in the 2011 NBA Finals, James received harsh criticism. People questioned his ability to lead the Heat's "Big 3" with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. Doubts reached a high point when the Heat fell behind 3-2 against the Boston Celtics in the 2012 Eastern Conference Finals. From the bench, Curry saw LeBron's determination stand out. The Bill Cartwright Show EP80 | Eddy Curry 'I had never seen anything like that,' Curry said on The Bill Cartwright Show. While he had seen flashes of brilliance, like Jamal Crawford scoring 50 points, LeBron's ability to dominate in critical moments was unmatched. 'You watch a guy who single-handedly says, 'We're not going home,'' Curry noted, emphasizing LeBron's mental strength. That season, Curry's expectations were met as the Heat won the championship. This solidified his respect for players like James who rise to the occasion. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Affordable All Inclusive Holidays (See Now) StartSearch | Search Ads Get Info Undo In Game 6 in Boston, facing a tough crowd, James scored an impressive 45 points and grabbed 15 rebounds to tie the series. In the important Game 7, he added 31 points and 12 rebounds, securing the Heat's win. Curry called these performances a lesson in leadership, admiring LeBron's determination not to lose. What else did LeBron James achieve that season? LeBron James was under a lot of pressure during the 2011–12 NBA season. The Miami Heat's elite team was supposed to win a championship, but they didn't in 2011. After the Finals loss, James was driven to silence his detractors. He performed admirably, averaging 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 6.2 assists per game, winning MVP. His dominance got transferred from the regular season to the playoffs culminating in the Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He averaged 28.6 points and 10.2 boards for his first NBA championship and title of Finals MVP. Eddy Curry, despite limited playoff minutes, felt honored to be part of that Heat roster. From the sidelines, he witnessed LeBron's remarkable redemption, rising above intense scrutiny to lead with unparalleled resolve. Also read: LeBron James is looking to check his final bucket list in NBA before retiring Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Magic Johnson's comment on Stephen Curry's mother Sonya Curry once broke internet like wildfire
Magic Johnson's comment on Stephen Curry's mother Sonya Curry once broke internet like wildfire (Image Credit: Getty Images) Magic Johnson raised many eyebrows when he made an outrageous remark about Stephen Curry's mother. The occasion was Stephen Curry's winning the PBWA Magic Johnson Award. The award was given for displaying "cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans" both on and off the court, as per Johnson's tweet. Living up to the virtues recognized by the award, Stephen Curry displayed exceptional grace and did not respond to the NBA veteran's remark. Magic Johnson commented on Stephen Curry's mother while congratulating him for award Former NBA superstar and philanthropist Magic Johnson took to X to congratulate Stephen Curry on winning the PBWA Magic Johnson Award. The congratulatory message became a bit outrageous owing to its last sentence. Magic Johnson wrote: 'Congratulations to Stephen Curry on winning his second PBWA Magic Johnson Award honoring a player who displays "cooperation and grace in dealing with the media and fans" both on and off the court! By the way @StephenCurry30, I had fun hanging out with your mom last night at the Sparks home opener!' Johnson's last sentence, saying 'hanging out with your mom last night,' shocked everyone. Many fans found it cheeky and called it entirely unnecessary. Magic was simply referring to watching a Los Angeles Sparks game with Stephen Curry's mother, Sonya Curry, who attended the game as the godmother to Sparks' 2024 rookie, Cameron Brink. The tweet took the internet by storm and garnered 5.8M views and several comments from fans. It became one of the most controversial statements made and became the topic of discussion soon. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like You Won't Believe These Are The Most Beautiful Cars Ever Made Undo How Sonya Curry reacted to Magic Johnson's comment Sonya Curry did not give any reaction to Magic Johnson's comment, but she did make him cry, literally. It was certainly not in response to Johnson's tweet. The emotional moment happened when Magic Johnson appeared on Sonya Curry's show, 'Raising Fame', which aired on July 21, 2024. On The Road with Lucille & Sonya: Magic Johnson I Raising Fame During the show, Magic Johnson was put on a video call with his mother, Christine Johnson. While talking to his mother, Magic Johnson became emotional and was seen wiping his tears. The moment became the highlight of the curtain raiser. Raising Fame is Sonya Curry's show, which she co-hosts with Shaquille O'Neal's mother, Lucille. The show aired on TV One. 12 episodes of the show were aired in 2024. Also Read: Stephen Curry's mom Sonya Curry shares heartfelt tribute after tragic loss of her mother Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
