By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonas Valanciunas has officially joined Zalgiris. The deal with the 34-year-old center was announced by the EuroLeague outfit on Wednesday.
Per the press release: “Zalgiris Kaunas has added 34-year-old Jonas Valanciunas, who spent the last 14 seasons in the NBA, to its roster. The 211 cm center has signed a two-year contract that will run through the end of the 2027-28 season.
Selected with the 5th overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Valanciunas began his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors, where he played until midway through the 2018-19 season before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
WARNING: the paint is 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 until further notice.
Jonas Valanciunas is back in his homeland. 🔥⚡ pic.twitter.com/oRSEcIcC6B
— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 15, 2026
After spending two full seasons in Tennessee, the big man joined the New Orleans Pelicans for the 2021-22 season. He then began the 2024-25 campaign with the Washington Wizards before finishing it with the Sacramento Kings alongside fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis.
Most recently, Valanciunas spent his final NBA season with the Denver Nuggets, helping the team reach the first round of the playoffs.
Throughout his NBA career, Valanciunas averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.
Speaking exclusively to Insiders, Zalgiris President Paulius Jankunas shared his thoughts on the club’s newest signing and his potential impact in Europe.
“We are very happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Zalgiris Kaunas. From our very first conversations, I heard him repeatedly say that he wanted to come back to Lithuania, play in the Zalgirio Arena, experience that incredible atmosphere, and win games. We had many discussions, but I always felt that desire. We all know that Jonas Valanciunas is one of the best Lithuanian basketball players and a true patriot who always plays with great passion and dedication to his team.
The negotiations were lengthy because Jonas still had a contract with the Denver Nuggets, and there was a date by which it had to be determined whether he would remain in Denver or be traded elsewhere. In the end, everything fell into place, and our patience paid off because Jonas is now a member of Kaunas Zalgiris,” said Jankunas.”
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