Jonas Valanciunas Trade Shrouded in Uncertainty as Cryptic Comments Stall Denver Nuggets' Backup Center Plans

Time of India

a day ago

The
Denver Nuggets' trade for Jonas Valanciunas
was supposed to solidify their roster depth behind Nikola Jokic. Instead, it has introduced a wave of uncertainty about the veteran center's future in the NBA. Despite being acquired from the
, Valanciunas has yet to officially join the Nuggets — and recent cryptic comments from the player have only added to the confusion.
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Jonas Valanciunas' Trade Raises More Questions Than Answers
The
acquired Jonas Valanciunas to bolster their bench and fill the backup center role that's been inconsistent for years. At 6-foot-11, the Lithuanian veteran brings physicality, rebounding, and playoff experience — a valuable asset behind Jokic. But just as the deal made headlines, so did Valanciunas' unexpected commitment to Panathinaikos, a powerhouse basketball club in Greece.
During a visit to the Greek team, Valanciunas gave a puzzling interview reported by Eurohoops.net, where he hinted that nothing was finalized yet: 'You can say anything.
A lot has already been said, all kinds of thoughts. The bubble burst, everyone shared what everyone thinks. We'll only find out when the first game is played. Everything will be clear. When the trade is finalized, we'll come up with a plan. [The Nuggets] will express their wishes, how they think, how they see it… Medical, other details.
That will depend on them.' (H/t: ClutchPoints)
This statement didn't clarify whether he's staying in the NBA or heading overseas — instead, it amplified the uncertainty.
Nuggets Yet to Finalize the Deal with Valanciunas
Despite reports of the trade, Denver has not officially confirmed Valanciunas' addition. This delay is a key reason the situation remains murky. Though the Nuggets have communicated that they expect the 33-year-old to honor his NBA contract, his comments and overseas flirtation suggest he might have other intentions.
Contractual Obligations
Jonas Valanciunas is currently in the second year of a three-year deal worth over $30 million. Here's a quick look at the breakdown:
Contract Term Duration Value Current Deal
3 Years
$30+ Million
Entering Year
2nd
Active through 2026
If Valanciunas were to join Panathinaikos, it would raise serious contractual concerns, as Denver reportedly expects full commitment to the existing agreement.
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Denver's Busy Offseason
If Jonas Valanciunas does eventually join the team, Denver could walk away with one of the most well-rounded offseasons in the NBA. The front office has already made several key additions beyond the potential acquisition of Valanciunas:
Key Nuggets Offseason Additions:
- Bruce Brown – Returns to a team where he previously thrived as a defensive anchor and energy player.
- Tim Hardaway Jr. – Brings sharpshooting and veteran presence on the wing.
- Cam Johnson – Adds size, shooting, and spacing to Denver's forward rotation.
Together with a stable core led by Jokic and Jamal Murray, the Nuggets look ready to make another championship push — assuming their backup center saga finds resolution.
With training camp approaching, the Nuggets are under pressure to resolve Jonas Valanciunas' status. If he honors his contract and suits up in Denver, the team could solve its long-standing backup center issue. If not, the front office may need to pivot quickly.
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For now, Jonas Valanciunas' situation remains one of the more mysterious storylines of the NBA offseason — and the clock is ticking.