Image Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Nuggets Trade in Jeopardy as Valanciunas Eyes NBA Exit for Europe, Tempted by Massive Panathinaikos Offer

Jonas Valanciunas could leave the Denver Nuggets just days after a trade from the Kings

Image Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images

Just days after being traded to the Denver Nuggets, Jonas Valanciunas is now rumored to be eyeing an early exit from the franchise. The move was a swap deal between the Nuggets and Kings, sending Dario Saric to Sacramento in exchange for Jonas Valanciunas.

The veteran center was excited to contribute to a team that will fight for the NBA Title. However, according to Basket News, Valanciunas has received a lucrative offer from Greek side Panathinaikos Athens, which he is close to agreeing.

The 33-year-old’s current NBA contract is valid through the 2025-26 season, worth $10.4 million. It also has a team option wherein the Nuggets can exercise an additional year. This was an important deal for the front office, as they were desperate to add another big addition besides Nikola Jokic.

🚨✈️ Jonas Valanciunas is expected to land in Athens to undergo medical tests and extend ongoing talks with Panathinaikos!

🔸Greek outlet SDNA first reported on his trip to Greece pic.twitter.com/cB4HUMVYNx
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) July 4, 2025

However, those plans may unravel, as Valanciunas inches closer to a European return with Panathinaikos Athens reportedly in advanced talks. Athens has offered the Lithuanian national a three-year offer worth $13 million. The European giants are offering Valanciunas a lead role in their system, along with a higher salary than his current NBA deal.

The Center averaged 10.3 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in the previous NBA season. If finalized, the Athens deal would deal a double blow, undermining the Nuggets’ trade plans and disrupting the Kings’ depth strategies.

Saric, Nuggets Stuck in Trade Limbo

According to Marc Stein, the exchange trade between the Kings and the Nuggets has not been official yet. It is only on or after Sunday that the deal can go through. The Kings’ front office remains anxious over the implications of the Panathinaikos offer, as Valanciunas was part of their trade framework.

It remains uncertain whether the Denver Nuggets will withdraw from the trade, as Valanciunas reconsiders his NBA future. Dario Saric, a key figure in the Kings’ depth chart, is reportedly unhappy with the growing uncertainty surrounding the trade.