Jonas Valanciunas has made an important announcement regarding his future in the NBA. After his recent trade from the Sacramento Kings to the Denver Nuggets, Valanciunas stated that he intends to play for the Nuggets this upcoming season.
In a statement given on Monday, Valanciunas expressed gratitude for his new role. “I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me,” he shared. “The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait.” He emphasized his commitment to the Nuggets, promising to give his all in the pursuit of a championship.
Valanciunas was brought in by the Nuggets primarily to support Nikola Jokić, a three-time MVP who has been shouldering a heavy load on the court. Following the trade on July 2, there were rumors that Valanciunas was considering an offer from Panathinaikos, a top EuroLeague team based in Greece. This sparked speculation that he might not report to Denver. However, his recent comments put those rumors to rest.
The 31-year-old center has a solid contract with Denver, which is currently in the second year of a three-year deal worth $30.3 million. The team’s management has made it clear that they expect Valanciunas to honor his contract and join them for the season.
Ben Tenzer, the Nuggets’ executive vice president of basketball operations, mentioned that there have been positive discussions around Valanciunas’s commitment. “There’s been nothing but healthy conversations in terms of him honoring his contract and him being excited to be a Nugget,” Tenzer said.
Valanciunas’s decision to stay with the Nuggets comes after weeks of uncertainty. Previously, when asked about his plans, he provided non-committal answers, stating, “We will find out only when the first game is played.” This led many fans to wonder whether he might pursue an opportunity overseas. However, with the Denver franchise making it clear that they have no intentions of letting him go, the situation appeared to settle.
The Nuggets are excited about Valanciunas’s addition as they look to rebuild and return to title contention after their most successful seasons in recent years. Valanciunas joins a lineup that includes other new faces like Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown, all of whom could be key players as the team aims for another championship run.
One of the main reasons for bringing Valanciunas on board is to provide relief for Jokić. Last season, Jokić played a staggering 36.7 minutes per game, the highest of his career. The lack of a reliable backup center left him exhausted during crucial playoff matches. In high-stakes games against tough opponents, his playing time escalated even further, reaching an average of 40.2 minutes.
Valanciunas stands 6-foot-11 and weighs 265 pounds, making him a formidable presence in the paint. His ability to perform under pressure will be vital for the Nuggets, especially for Jokić, who faced tough matchups in the playoffs. Last season, Valanciunas proved to be an impact player, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 18.8 minutes per game with the Kings and Wizards.
The anticipation around Valanciunas’s arrival in Denver adds to the excitement of a fresh roster aimed at building on past successes. The team is looking to reconnect with the winning culture that once led them to an NBA championship.
As the season approaches, it will be interesting to see how Valanciunas integrates into the team and how he and Jokić will work together on the court. For Nuggets fans, Valanciunas’s commitment signals a hopeful path forward as the team gears up for what they hope will be a successful season.
