By Aris Barkas/ barkas@eurohoops.net
One year after the soap opera about his transfer to Panathinaikos, which was never completed despite his arrival in Athens, Jonas Valanciunas has signed a two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas, according to Jonas Leksas of Lithuanian outlet “Krepsinis.net”.
This might be the end of an era for one of the most solid European big men of his generation in the NBA.
Valanciunas himself denied that there’s a final decision from his side about his future, commenting on social media: “You wake up and see that everything has been decided for you, I don’t need to do anything myself. Thank you, reporters”.
Still, it was already reported that Zalgiris had an offer on the table for Valanciunas, and with him finally clearing waivers from the Nuggets, he is able to complete the deal.
Valanciunas started his career with Zalgiris’ biggest rival, Lietuvos Rytas, where he played until 2012.
After that, he moved to the NBA, where he spent seven years with the Toronto Raptors. He has also played for the Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings.
Last season, he wore the Denver Nuggets jersey, and their playoff run ended with a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round (4-2).
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