NBA veteran could play in Australia if Nuggets release is approved
NBA big man Jonas Valanciunas has set his sights on Australia’s Euro games later this year, but the Denver Nuggets will have to play ball.
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NBA big man Jonas Valanciunas could be headed to Australia to take on NBL teams if he is able to gain a release from his Denver Nuggets deal.
Reports have linked Valanciunas to Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos BC – who are coming to Sydney in September to play against the Kings and 36ers.
The Lithuanian-born centre has indicated a desire to return to Europe and Panathinaikos are reportedly willing to offer a three-year $19 million deal.
However, Valanciunas’ bid to leave the NBA has hit a hurdle with Denver officials declaring “the franchise fully intends to have him honour his contract”.
The veteran big man is on a two-year, $31.2 million contract with the Nuggets after being traded to the franchise from Sacramento this off-season.
Denver view Valanciunas as the ideal backup for starting centre and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic.
The Nuggets are entitled to stand their ground on the contract, which would put an end to any release.
Valanciunas also requires FIBA approval via a letter of clearance to gain a release from Denver to join Panathinaikos.
The 33-year-old, who has been in the NBA since 2012, was noncommittal when recently asked about his plans for the upcoming season.
👀🇱🇹Jonas Valanciunas comments on the current situation with the Denver Nuggets and Panathinaikos
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 8, 2025
🗣ï¸Valanciunas: “You can say anything. A lot has already been said, all kind of thoughts†pic.twitter.com/QaMgXhhk4R
“When the trade is finalised, we’ll come up with a plan. (The Nuggets) will express their wishes, how they think, how they see it,” he said, per Eurohoops.
“We’ll only find out when the first game is played. Everything will be clear.”
Valanciunas is set to make $15.7 million on his deal this year and $15.3 million in 2026–27, though his contract for the final year of the deal is not guaranteed.
Off-contract Boston Celtics veteran Al Horford has emerged as an option for the Nuggets if Jonas is intent on leaving for Europe.
If he is able to gain a release from Denver to join Panathinaikos it would provide a major boost for September’s Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament in Melbourne and Sydney.
Valanciunas has the experience and name to attract significant eyeballs to the matches to be played from September 18-22.
Panathinaikos take on Serbian EuroLeague rivals KK Partizan at Melbourne’s John Cain Arena on Thursday, September 18.
The two European giants then travel to Sydney for clashes against the Kings and the Adelaide 36ers from September 21-22.
The Pavlos Giannakopoulos Tournament coincides with the opening round of the 2025/26 NBL season, which tips off on September 18 with the Tasmania JackJumpers hosting Melbourne United.
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