By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonas Valanciunas remains highly likely to depart the Denver Nuggets this summer, during a complex offseason as the franchise reconfigures its roster following a year that failed to meet expectations.
“They have to decide for themselves what direction the team will take and what they want to do,” stated the 34-year-old center on Monday, during a media session in his annual basketball camp. “The season was not what we expected because we definitely did not meet expectations. I think they have decisions to make. Everything should become clear around the NBA Draft. There is not much time left.”
The Lithuanian veteran holds a partially guaranteed $10 million contract for the 2026–27 season. To facilitate a separation, Denver must now explore distinct financial pathways, including orchestrating a trade or absorbing the remaining financial weight.
Concurrently, Valanciunas is drawing substantial interest from elite EuroLeague clubs. Zalgiris has reportedly proposed a guaranteed two-year deal worth at least €2 million per season, offering the Utena native a prominent on-court role closer to his homeland. When asked about the offseason moves of the Kaunas outfit, Valanciunas confirmed he is monitoring their trajectory.
“I have watched them,” he mentioned. “I may not be 100 percent familiar with every name because I still spent quite a lot of time overseas. But I have spoken with people who know and really follow European basketball. We discussed what things could look like in the future.”
In addition, Valanciunas emphasized that Zalgiris has elevated its status far beyond that of a small-market competitor.
“This year, they showed they are one of the main teams in the EuroLeague, in terms of management, conditions, and the way they play,” he explained.
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