Jonas Valanciunas Panathinaikos offers a quote that may be large in Europe

Veteran NBA Center in the latest round of offseason legend Jonas Valanciunas The same is reportedly the high-value offer from Greek giant Panathinaikos even after being traded to the Denver Nuggets. Sources said he could make a buyout to join the Europa League contender. This decision could reshape his legacy and send shock waves to shock waves through the NBA trade mechanism.

From the King to the Nuggets – maybe Europe

July 2-3, 2025, Bleacher reported Scott Polacek broke the news: Valanciunas traded from Sacramento to Denver in exchange for Dario Saric, but may not stay in the NBA next season. NBA insider Marc Stein confirmed that in the European game “expressed a strong attraction to Valanciunas”, Valanciunas is exploring the remaining approximately $20 million of the remaining contract.

BasketNews’ Donatas Urbanas and Karolis Tiskevicius reported that Panathinaikos made a net offer of nearly €12 million (about $13 million) over three years, using him as the central building area for the Athens title battle.

Tweets that shape the narrative

This story has been amplified on social media, including these key tweets:

Donatas Urbanas (@urbodo): “Jonas Valanciunas is considering an amazing Europa League relocation and exiting the NBA. Every basket news source, Valanciunas is attracted by Panathinaikos’ multi-year offer.”

statmuse (@statmuse): “Jonas Valanciunas in 13 seasons: –13.1 PPG (25.1 mpg) -9.3 rpg -56.0 fg% – 56.0 fg% – 10 times in the league in 10/10 games.”

David Mackay (@davidmackaynba): “Personally, I would love to see Jonas Valangonas compete with Denver.

These views reflect his consistency and regret that he has not won an NBA championship yet. However, Panathinaikos offers a competitive vision: reserve roles in Europe with bonuses and money-making ring pursuits.

Why Panathinaikos? Why Europe?

Joining Panathinaikos brings the starring role to Valanciunas, a fresh team that beats the Greek Cup and reaches the final of the Europa League. The club has also just won the 2023-24 European League title and remains one of the few teams to win the European championship.

Key motivations for Valanciunas may include:

• Guaranteed net income: The Greek deal secured a net income of about €12 million, more than the net tax before the same NBA tax.
• Long-term stability: A three-year deal secured his future, exceeding the typical NBA shift in the NBA.
• main character: At 6-foot-11, elite rebounds and efficiency (56% in FG career), he will anchor Panathinaikos’ frontcourt in the UEFA Champions League.
• Legacy and health: Back to Europe’s emotional resonance with Lithuanian national team stars, it’s a chance to help the legendary club chase the championship and consolidate his legacy.

NBA trades fit European ambitions

Importantly, the Denver deal was not his decision to go abroad. Jake Fischer reported that even if Valangonas chose to leave, the Nuggets-Kings trade will still end on Sunday, and Sarik will move to Sacramento anyway.

If Valanciunas chose Europe, he might demand a purchase or be abandoned by Denver – effectively leaving the guaranteed wage in exchange for a quote from Europe. As Urbanas noted, the Euroleague offers a different opportunity: “long-term stability, main roles and a team built to compete for the UEFA Champions League.”

How fans and insiders react

Reddit threads on R/NBA claim Valanciunas made a “verbal commitment” to Panathinaikos, although the host removed it, so be cautious. Still, the cumulative signal from independent tweets to basket news coverage is a clear picture of serious negotiations.

NBA fans and Europa League Watchmen split. He might lament that he might shoot again on the NBA ring, especially as mine fans are excited to join Nikola Jokic as Jokic’s backup. Others saw a shrewd move: capitalizing on his peak and returning to European fans who respect international reputation.

What are the risks of the Nuggets?

Denver envisions Valanciunas as a veteran big man who can add Jokic in a high-stakes playoff moment. If he opt out, they will lose a reliable internal presence, but they do get Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to offset the depth of the frontcourt.

Furthermore, the move highlights the uncertainty of interconnected NBA trades: Even in the middle of the playoffs, the team must consider players seeking overseas opportunities. If Valanciunas exits, the Nuggets may seek an internal solution or seek another deal.

Valanciunas’ career arc and legacy

Valanciunas ranked fifth overall with the Raptors in 2011, and his production has been consistent: over 13 NBA seasons, he averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds and 56% shooting percentage, ranking in the top ten rebounds for ten consecutive seasons.

But he never won the NBA championship. He missed the 2019 ring from Toronto after being traded to Memphis. Sacramento never made it to the finals during his tenure. For many, the lack of a title is possible in evaluating his legacy. David Mackay helped express the irony: The Toronto trade year won the victory and was still waiting for his own ring.

Returning to Europe now offers the opportunity to build his national hero status and win championships with big European clubs, perhaps ending up tasting his championship success in North America.

The final decision: NBA or Euroleague?

As of July 3, 2025, Valanciunas is said to be “close to accept” Panathinaikos’ deal, although not completed. He still has the option of staying in the Nuggets, sitting on the game or pursuing a partial salary buyout. Decisions are expected in the coming days.

If he signs in Greece, it would mark a rare case of a rare NBA starter returning to Europe from a guaranteed salary, a major statement about the transfer of financial and cultural power in the European Union.

Impact on stakeholders

• For Valanciunas: More money on hand, the roles starring, the title of the European Union and the legacy of national pride.
• For Panathinaikos: Acquisition of confirmed NBA-level internal business, improving its title window and European image.
• Nuggets: Plan B is necessary. They will still receive Salak, but now lack reliable backup minutes behind Jokic.
• NBA/GMS: Remind that the European quote is still valid. Global competition for senior talents has intensified.

Conclusion: A bold move or a mistake?

Jonas Valanciunas faces a crossroads: continue to serve as an NBA role-playing ring, or embrace European stars and financial assurance. Both paths offer different kinds of reputation. If he signs with Panathinaikos, it will mark a high-profile shift in the global basketball labor market and highlight the equality between the NBA and Euroleague opportunities.

This decision could serve as a blueprint for future veterans weighing late career choices. No matter which direction he chooses (NBA or Europe) does not involve Valanciunas’ legacy.