By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Jonas Valanciunas said he’s committed to honoring his contract with the Denver Nuggets and contribute to the team’s efforts to win the championship title.
“I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me,” Valanciunas said to Basketnews. “The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, close to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship.”
While still under an NBA contract, Valanciunas reportedly verbally agreed to a multiyear deal with EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens earlier this summer and visited Greece to undergo a medical with the club. The news about this agreement was one of the reasons that his move from the Sacramento Kings to the Nuggets didn’t become official until a week ago.
Valanciunas himself hadn’t given any straight answers on whether he will actually play for the Nuggets next season or he will join Panathinaikos. Denver was confident that there’s no doubt that the Lithuanian veteran center will join the team for the upcoming season.
The Nuggets acquired Valanciunas from the Kings with which the big man played 32 games last season. His contract includes a non-guaranteed team option for the 2026-27 season.