Jonas Valanciunas has officially departed the NBA after a 14-season career, signing a two-year contract with the EuroLeague club Zalgiris Kaunas in his native Lithuania. The move follows his release by the Denver Nuggets, where he served as the primary backup center for Nikola Jokic during the 2025-26 season, according to reporting by Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.
The Transition from Denver to Zalgiris Kaunas
Valanciunas’s return to European basketball marks the end of a prolific North American career that began when the Toronto Raptors selected him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. Throughout his tenure in the league, the veteran center established himself as a durable interior presence. During his final season with the Nuggets, Valanciunas appeared in 65 games, recording averages of 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game while maintaining a 58.2% field goal percentage.
Despite persistent rumors regarding his future, Valanciunas consistently denied reports of an early deal until confirming his commitment to Zalgiris Kaunas.
Pro Tip: When evaluating a team’s depth, look beyond the starting lineup.
Denver’s Frontcourt Strategy Following the Move
The Nuggets face the challenge of replacing Valanciunas’s reliable production behind star center Nikola Jokic. In an effort to address this vacancy, the Denver front office signed Marvin Bagley III during free agency. However, industry observers note that Bagley’s career has been marked by inconsistency, contrasting sharply with the stability Valanciunas provided during his time in Colorado.
As the 2026-27 campaign approaches, the Nuggets appear to be maintaining a cautious approach to roster management. While trade rumors have circulated regarding various members of the supporting cast, the team’s primary focus remains building around the core of Jokic and Jamal Murray. Further frontcourt additions remain a possibility, as the team seeks to fortify its depth to remain competitive in a talent-heavy Western Conference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jonas Valanciunas leave the NBA?
After 14 seasons in the league, Valanciunas opted to return to his home country of Lithuania, signing a two-year deal with the EuroLeague side Zalgiris Kaunas following his release from the Denver Nuggets.
Who is replacing Jonas Valanciunas in the Nuggets’ rotation?
The Nuggets signed Marvin Bagley III during free agency to fill the backup center role, though the team may continue to explore additional frontcourt help given the departure of a veteran presence like Valanciunas.
How did Valanciunas perform during his final NBA season?
In his 65 appearances for the Nuggets during the 2025-26 season, Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, shooting 58.2% from the field.
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