Latest news with #JonasValanciunas
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jonas Valančiūnas non-committal when asked if he plans to play for Nuggets next season
The Denver Nuggets had a standout offseason with multiple transactions that filled needs on a roster that fell just short of toppling the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder in a seven-game playoff series. A centerpiece of that offseason was a trade for Jonas Valančiūnas, who would provide three-time MVP center Nikola Jokić with a legitimate backup for the first time in years. Advertisement As of Tuesday, it remains unclear if Valančiūnas will actually suit up for the Nuggets. Valančiūnas is under contract with Denver on the second year of a three year, $30.3 million deal. He offered no insight Tuesday on whether he intends to honor that contract amid reports that he wants to play elsewhere. Valančiūnas speaks Valančiūnas addressed the subject publicly for the first time since the trade while granting an interview to local media from the B8 Basketball Summit in his home country of Lithuania. The interview was conducted in Lithuanian, so the details of his answer are a bit muddled in translation. But here's the gist of his stance, per Google translate, when he was asked if he'll play for the Nuggets next season: "We will find out only when the first game is played," Valančiūnas said. "Everything will be clear." Valančiūnas was also asked about his Nuggets obligations in terms of his availability to play for Lithuania's national team for the EuroBasket tournament. Here's what he had to say about the trade that's not yet official. "Once the trade is done we'll make a plan," Valančiūnas said. "They'll express their wishes, how they think, how they see it. ... Medical (examination), other details. It will depend on the team." That's not exactly reassuring for the Nuggets and their fans hopeful that they'd finally solved the longstanding challenge of providing solid backup minutes for Jokić. Jonas Valančiūnas offers the precise kind of physical minutes the Nuggets need off the bench to relieve Nikola Jokić. Whether they'll get them from Valančiūnas remains to be seen. (Tyler McFarland/) (Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative via Getty Images) What's the holdup? Advertisement The hangup is Valančiūnas' reported desire to play overseas. Valančiūnas reportedly has mutual interest in joining Greek EuroLeague team Panathinaikos. But his NBA contract gives the Nuggets exclusivity over his basketball rights. If Valančiūnas were to play basketball anywhere else, it would require the Nuggets to release him from his contract. According to ESPN, the Nuggets have no intention of doing so. The plan in Denver is for Valančiūnas to honor his deal. And for good reason. Jokić played 36.7 minutes per game last season, the most of his career by more than two minutes per game. He did so because the Nuggets lacked effective backup options in the post, and the Nuggets were drastically worse when Jokić was off the floor. Jokić faced two physical matchups in the post in a pair of grueling seven-game playoff series when matched up against Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. With no viable backup center, Jokić's minutes increased in the postseason to 40.2 per game. Advertisement At 6-foot-11 and 265 pounds, Valančiūnas is a reliable, physical presence in the post who could provide Jokić with much-needed relief in similar situations. Valančiūnas was an impact player for the Kings and Wizards last season with averages of 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 18.8 minutes per game. Those are the exact kind of minutes the Nuggets are seeking in relief of Jokić. As of now, it remains to be seen whether they'll get them from Valančiūnas.
Time of India
a day ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jonas Valanciunas Trade Shrouded in Uncertainty as Cryptic Comments Stall Denver Nuggets' Backup Center Plans
The Denver Nuggets' trade for Jonas Valanciunas was supposed to solidify their roster depth behind Nikola Jokic. Instead, it has introduced a wave of uncertainty about the veteran center's future in the NBA. Despite being acquired from the , Valanciunas has yet to officially join the Nuggets — and recent cryptic comments from the player have only added to the confusion. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Jonas Valanciunas' Trade Raises More Questions Than Answers The acquired Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their bench and fill the backup center role that's been inconsistent for years. At 6-foot-11, the Lithuanian veteran brings physicality, rebounding, and playoff experience — a valuable asset behind Jokic. But just as the deal made headlines, so did Valanciunas' unexpected commitment to Panathinaikos, a powerhouse basketball club in Greece. During a visit to the Greek team, Valanciunas gave a puzzling interview reported by where he hinted that nothing was finalized yet: 'You can say anything. A lot has already been said, all kinds of thoughts. The bubble burst, everyone shared what everyone thinks. We'll only find out when the first game is played. Everything will be clear. When the trade is finalized, we'll come up with a plan. [The Nuggets] will express their wishes, how they think, how they see it… Medical, other details. That will depend on them.' (H/t: ClutchPoints) This statement didn't clarify whether he's staying in the NBA or heading overseas — instead, it amplified the uncertainty. Nuggets Yet to Finalize the Deal with Valanciunas Despite reports of the trade, Denver has not officially confirmed Valanciunas' addition. This delay is a key reason the situation remains murky. Though the Nuggets have communicated that they expect the 33-year-old to honor his NBA contract, his comments and overseas flirtation suggest he might have other intentions. Contractual Obligations Jonas Valanciunas is currently in the second year of a three-year deal worth over $30 million. Here's a quick look at the breakdown: Contract Term Duration Value Current Deal 3 Years $30+ Million Entering Year 2nd Active through 2026 If Valanciunas were to join Panathinaikos, it would raise serious contractual concerns, as Denver reportedly expects full commitment to the existing agreement. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Denver's Busy Offseason If Jonas Valanciunas does eventually join the team, Denver could walk away with one of the most well-rounded offseasons in the NBA. The front office has already made several key additions beyond the potential acquisition of Valanciunas: Key Nuggets Offseason Additions: - Bruce Brown – Returns to a team where he previously thrived as a defensive anchor and energy player. - Tim Hardaway Jr. – Brings sharpshooting and veteran presence on the wing. - Cam Johnson – Adds size, shooting, and spacing to Denver's forward rotation. Together with a stable core led by Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets look ready to make another championship push — assuming their backup center saga finds resolution. With training camp approaching, the Nuggets are under pressure to resolve Jonas Valanciunas' status. If he honors his contract and suits up in Denver, the team could solve its long-standing backup center issue. If not, the front office may need to pivot quickly. Also read: For now, Jonas Valanciunas' situation remains one of the more mysterious storylines of the NBA offseason — and the clock is ticking.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nikola Jokic Gets Offseason Win in Different Sport on Sunday
Nikola Jokic Gets Offseason Win in Different Sport on Sunday originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The last couple of seasons haven't been very kind to Nikola Jokić and the Denver Nuggets. After winning the NBA championship in 2023, they have lost in the second round of the playoffs in both of the last two seasons, and on both occasions, they fell in Game 7. Advertisement But there is now some tangible hope that they could reclaim basketball's grand prize again this coming season. They pulled off a massive trade recently for two-way forward Cam Johnson, and they agreed to acquire center Jonas Valanciunas, who is the backup 5 they have long sought. In the meantime, Jokic seems to be enjoying himself as he engages in his favorite hobby: horse racing. In his native country Serbia, he was seen celebrating at a horse racing competition. Jokic is an avid horse harness racer, and it is something he has enjoyed since he was a child in Serbia. He had a sensational season with the Nuggets, averaging 29.6 points, 12.7 rebounds and 10.2 assists a game while shooting 57.6% from the field and 41.7% from 3-point range. He became just the third player in NBA history to average a triple-double for an entire season, joining Hall of Famer Oscar Robertson and teammate Russell Westbrook. Advertisement Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball as Dallas Mavericks center Daniel Gafford (21) guards in the first quarter at Ball Arena.© Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images Many feel Johnson will be an upgrade over Michael Porter Jr., the main piece sent out to the Brooklyn Nets in that big trade. Meanwhile, Valanciunas can allow the Nuggets to at least tread water while Jokic is resting. During the second round of the 2025 playoffs versus the Oklahoma City Thunder, they routinely lost ground when Jokic wasn't on the floor. Related: Jayson Tatum Shares Offseason Update After Season-Ending Injury With Celtics This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Warriors Trade Target Reportedly Lands On Nuggets' Radar
Warriors Trade Target Reportedly Lands On Nuggets' Radar originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The Golden State Warriors' offseason has been marked by relative silence as they have yet to make any major signings. While their interest in veteran big man Al Horford could be the most significant move in free agency, the Dubs may face competition in their pursuit. Advertisement The Denver Nuggets have emerged as a potential suitor for the free-agent big man as of late. According to Clutch Points' Evan Dammarell, the Nuggets are likely to show an interest in Horford as their recently signed backup center, Jonas Valanciunas, could opt to leave the team to play professional basketball in Greece. Dammarell wrote, "The Denver Nuggets, meanwhile, were considered a potential threat if they lost newly acquired Jonas Valanciunas... if Valanciunas heads overseas, Golden State could still have competition to land the future Hall of Famer in Horford." The key factor here is the possibility of Valanciunas heading overseas to play with Greek side Panathinaikos. After being traded to the Nuggets by the Sacramento Kings, Valanciunas reportedly expressed an interest in leaving the team and playing in Greece. While this would appear to be a likely outcome, Dammarell addressed that, as per Marc Stein, the Nuggets are not inclined to let their newly acquired center leave. Shams Charania also reported on this topic and tweeted: Advertisement "Denver has informed Jonas Valanciunas' reps that the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract as the Nuggets view Valanciunas as a critical center addition to back up Nikola Jokic and play alongside him. Greek team Panathinaikos pursued Valanciunas in recent days." These events could have a massive impact on the Warriors' approach to offseason roster construction. The front office placed a priority on acquiring a center, with the imminent shift away from the "small ball" approach. Former NBA champion and 5x All-Star Al Horford has been viewed as the ideal acquisition in this regard. Horford has garnered a lot of interest from teams in the free agency market. Having averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds on shooting splits of 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc, he has proven himself to be an extremely serviceable big man. With Kevon Looney departing to the New Orleans Pelicans as a free agent, the Warriors took a huge blow to their roster depth. This sees the team in dire need of a starting center. Horford is the ideal replacement due to his veteran experience, floor-spacing ability, game IQ, and championship pedigree. Advertisement As things stand, the Warriors are expected to explore signing Horford to a veteran minimum deal or use their mid-level exception to facilitate the move. Meanwhile, Horford is taking the time to explore his options before coming to a conclusion regarding his future in the league. Related: The Best Warriors Targets Right Now: A True Superstar, Athletic Center, $53 Million Guard This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jul 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
NBA insider reveals Denver Nuggets' stance on Jonas Valanciunas leaving for Greece
The Denver Nuggets received glowing praise this past week when they acquired center Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, finally solving their long-standing need for a backup behind Nikola Jokic. Now, Valanciunas is considering leaving the NBA. NBA insider Marc Stein reported that the Nuggets are moving forward with the trade for Valanciunas, which can be made official on Sunday. The team is 'determined' to keep him as their backup behind Nikola Jokic, despite a standing offer from Panathinaikos in Greece. Advertisement Related: Biggest winners from NBA free agency, including the Nuggets Jonas Valanciunas contract (Spotrac): $10.395 million salary (2025-26), $10 million salary (2026-27) is non-guaranteed until June 29, 2026 Valanciunas, age 33, flew to Greece this weekend to meet with officials from Panathinaikos. He has been offered a three-year deal worth €12 million after taxes. While he seemingly wants to play in Greece, effectively ending his NBA career, the decision is not entirely in his control at this time. As Stein noted, Valanciunas cannot sign with a EuroLeague team until he is released from his NBA contract. Without negotiating a buyout with Denver and thus receiving FIBA clearance, he cannot play for Panathinaikos. Related: NBA power rankings, see where the Nuggets land Jonas Valanciunas stats: 10.4 PPG, 7.7 RPG, 2.0 APG, 55% FG in 18.8 MPG Advertisement This is the second consecutive year that the Kings have traded a player who immediately wanted to play overseas. Last offseason, Sacramento traded Sasha Vezenkov to the Toronto Raptors. The difference, however, is that Toronto was fine with letting Vezenkov go and taking him off their books. The Nuggets acquired Valanciunas to be their backup center, finally adding a reliable big man who could allow Jokic to rest for 10-15 minutes per game. So, as much as Valanciunas might want to leave for Greece, Denver has the final say. Related Headlines
