The Denver Nuggets recently agreed to a trade that would see them acquire Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, but the veteran big man is looking to take his game to Europe instead. The question is whether his new NBA team will allow that to happen.
The Nuggets and Kings have reached agreement on a trade that would send Valanciunas to Denver and reserve forward Dario Saric to Sacramento. Valanciunas does not want to play for the Nuggets, however, as he reportedly wants to sign with Greek professional team Panathinaikos.
In order for Valanciunas to be able to sign with Panathinaikos, the Nuggets would have to finalize their trade with the Kings and then let the 33-year-old out of his contract.
According to NBA reporter Marc Stein, Denver is not inclined to part ways with Valanciunas. The Nuggets reportedly remain “optimistic” about having Valanciunas play for them next season.
The Nuggets are “optimistic” that Jonas Valanciunas will be in Denver this season, per @TheSteinLine
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) July 6, 2025
Behind the scenes, the Nuggets are signaling to Valanciunas that they do not intend to let him out of his NBA contract.
📝 Stein’s latest: https://t.co/1fXzWaUxRa pic.twitter.com/pGdpqfnMOD
Stein also said that Valanciunas is already en route to Greece.
Valanciunas averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds per game in time split between the Kings and Washington Wizards last season. He played 18.8 minutes per game.
The Nuggets want Valanciunas to serve as a backup behind Nikola Jokic, but the former No. 5 overall pick reportedly prefers to leave the NBA.
