The ongoing situation surrounding Jonas Valanciunas appears to be reaching a resolution, with the Denver Nuggets anticipating that the Lithuanian center will stay with the team, despite a lucrative offer from Panathinaikos. According to Vic Lombardi, a well-known sports commentator, both the Nuggets and Valanciunas have come to an understanding that will allow him to continue his career in Denver, particularly if his second season with the franchise is secured.
During a recent segment on Altitude SR 92.5, Lombardi expressed confidence in Valanciunas’s future with the Nuggets, stating, “The Nuggets believe he will play here, and time will heal.” When asked about the likelihood of Valanciunas remaining with the team if his second year is guaranteed, Lombardi responded with certainty: “100%, because this will give him stability.”
Social media reactions have been buzzing with updates on this developing story. Eurohoops tweeted, “Jonas Valanciunas is ultimately expected to stay in Denver 🇱🇹,” referencing the reported agreement between the player and the franchise to secure his second year. This news has garnered significant attention from fans and analysts alike.
Ryan Blackburn, another NBA commentator, shared insights from a EuroLeague YouTuber regarding the Valanciunas situation, further fueling discussions on platforms like Twitter. Meanwhile, Valanciunas himself has addressed the rumors surrounding his future, marking his first public comments since being traded to the Nuggets.
In a notable update, Donatas Urbonas reported that the Nuggets have officially communicated their desire for Valanciunas to honor his contract, which is fully guaranteed for the 2025-26 season, with a team option for 2026-27. This move effectively blocks any potential transfer to Panathinaikos, as confirmed by Shams Charania.
The background of this situation reveals some complexities. Valanciunas’s agent had initially opened the door for a return to Europe, citing family reasons. However, this decision seemed to complicate matters, particularly due to a lack of communication with the Nuggets. Panathinaikos was reportedly caught off guard when they discovered that Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke had not been informed about the discussions, leading to frustration within the Denver organization.
As the dust settles, it appears that the Nuggets are committed to Valanciunas, who has expressed his willingness to remain with the team. He recently mentioned, “It’s quite far but you can do it quick these days. I don’t think there’s any issues with that. I can’t join the (National) team from the beginning (July 14) according to the NBA insurance rules. I think I will have time for everything.”
In summary, the Nuggets’ confidence in retaining Jonas Valanciunas signals a commitment to building a stable roster for the upcoming season. With the potential for a guaranteed second year, Valanciunas’s future in Denver looks promising, and fans can expect to see him donning the Nuggets jersey as the new season approaches.