Latest news with #Valanciunas
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Play eight minutes a game and have these Jokic stat nerds blame you" - Eddie Johnson thinks Jonas Valanciunas should go to Europe
"Play eight minutes a game and have these Jokic stat nerds blame you" - Eddie Johnson thinks Jonas Valanciunas should go to Europe originally appeared on Basketball Network. When we talk about the winners of this year's offseason, the Denver Nuggets are definitely fighting for a top-two spot, alongside the Houston Rockets. First and foremost, Nikola Jokic finally got a proven backup at the center position – Jonas Valanciunas arrived from the Sacramento Kings in a deal for Dario Saric. The Nuggets also added players like Cameron Johnson, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Advertisement It seems like the Nuggets filled all the gaps they had last season. Their roster finally has depth, Jokic has a backup, they got rid of Michael Porter Jr.'s heavy contract, improved their shooting with Johnson and Hardaway and toughened up their defense and locker room presence with fan favorite Bruce Brown. Everything looked perfect for the Colorado-based squad until Shams Charania reported that the Lithuanian big man doesn't plan on staying with the Nuggets and has already agreed to a deal with Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. The situation is still unfolding and nobody really knows what will happen. Still, it seems Lithuanian big man wants to return to Europe for a bigger role, while the Nuggets are determined to keep him on the roster. "This is going to get ugly," NBA legend Eddie Johnson shared on his X profile. "Again, he will never say it, but he knows his minutes will be minuscule and the critics will run rampant with the blame game. Basically, come back and play eight mins a game and have these Jokic stat nerds blame you with a plus/minus of how you are failing him. He like I am going to Greece!" Johnson made a similar move himself Eddie, a 17-year NBA veteran, made a similar move himself in the 1994–1995 season, when he left the league to play for Olympiacos, Panathinaikos's biggest rival. Those were years when Johnson's productivity on the court began to decline, and so did his minutes. Advertisement Not satisfied with that, he made what was at the time an uncharacteristic move — he left the NBA for Europe just to get more playing time and compete for trophies. From that angle, Johnson clearly understands Valanciunas's position. As for Jonas himself, he was part of a trade last year that sent him from the New Orleans Pelicans to the Sacramento Kings, where he served as a backup to fellow Lithuanian Domantas Sabonis. The 33-year-old has a similar playing style to Jokic, and in that setup, Valanciunas averaged just 16.9 minutes per game. That was by far the lowest average playing time of his career, and considering how dependent Denver's system is on Jokic, it's hard to imagine Valanciunas getting more minutes than he did in Sacramento. Pairing the two also wouldn't make sense, since both are old-school traditional centers and would be easy targets on defense. Johnson's point for Nuggets fans makes sense, especially when we remember what happened to Saric last year when, after 16 games, he was frozen on the bench. Advertisement Related: "That kind of talent simply doesn't happen" - Del Harris said 17-year-old Kobe was 'slightly better' than 24-year-old Eddie Jones If Valanciunas leaves Nuggets have a problem The 6'11" big man recently turned 33 and committed to playing for Lithuania in this summer's EuroBasket. It's clear that he doesn't have much time left on the court at this stage of his career and likely wants to end it with a meaningful trophy, not to mention being closer to home. As for the Nuggets, if they lose Valanciunas, they could face another problem. The free agent center market isn't deep, with the biggest name being Al Horford, who's approaching his 40th birthday and isn't getting any younger. It'll be interesting to see how this situation unfolds and where Jonas will land. Advertisement Related: Josh Kroenke saying Nuggets might be one wrong injury away from trading Nikola Jokic reveals the team's biggest problem This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Jonas Valanciunas Trade Shrouded in Uncertainty as Cryptic Comments Stall Denver Nuggets' Backup Center Plans
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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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 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. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 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. Also read: For now, Jonas Valanciunas' situation remains one of the more mysterious storylines of the NBA offseason — and the clock is ticking.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
Denver Nuggets Send Jonas Valanciunas a Blunt 3-Word Message Amid EuroLeague Drama
Jonas Valanciunas (Image via Getty). The Denver Nuggets recently sent a stern three-word message to Jonas Valanciunas , the newly-acquired backup center for their superstar Nikola Jokic , underscoring their firm stance amid a complex offseason situation. The Backup Center Dilemma Surrounding Jonas Valaciunas For years, the Denver Nuggets have struggled to find a reliable backup for Jokic, the three-time NBA MVP whose unique skill set is central to Denver's offense. When Jokic rests, the team's offense often stagnates, making the backup center position critical for maintaining competitiveness during the regular season. This offseason, Denver finally addressed this issue by trading for Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric. Valanciunas, a 6-foot-11, 265-pound veteran, is a versatile big man capable of scoring from multiple levels, rebounding aggressively, and providing solid defense. Last season, he averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 20.1 minutes per game, making him an ideal candidate to keep the Nuggets' frontcourt strong when Jokic is off the floor. The Three-Word Message: "Honor Your Contract" Despite the promising fit, Valanciunas has complicated the situation by expressing a desire to leave the NBA and join Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos in the EuroLeague. He reportedly offered to forfeit his $10.4 million contract to make the move possible. However, the Denver Nuggets have made it crystal clear with their three-word directive to Valanciunas: "Honor your contract." Denver has no intention of granting a buyout or releasing Valanciunas from his contract, as they view him as a critical piece to back up Jokic and maintain championship aspirations. This firm stance is also a strategic move to preserve their cap space and avoid reopening the backup center void should Valanciunas depart. Why This Matters for the Denver Nuggets and Jokic The Denver Nuggets' message is both a warning and a declaration of intent. They are signaling that they expect Valanciunas to fulfill his role and contribute to the team's success rather than pursuing a European career at this juncture. This is crucial for Jokic, who benefits immensely from having a dependable partner in the paint. With Jokic entering his 30s, managing his minutes and health is vital for Denver's championship window. Moreover, the Nuggets have bolstered their roster with other key additions like Bruce Brown, Cam Johnson, and Tim Hardaway Jr., aiming to build a deep, versatile team around Jokic. Keeping Valanciunas committed is part of that larger strategy to sustain a strong frontcourt rotation and avoid the offensive freezes that occur when Jokic sits. Entertaining the Drama This offseason saga adds an intriguing layer to the Denver Nuggets' narrative. Valanciunas, a seasoned NBA veteran, is caught between a lucrative NBA contract and the allure of a European basketball return. The Nuggets' three-word message is a no-nonsense reminder that business comes first in the NBA, even as players weigh personal and professional crossroads. For fans, this creates a compelling subplot: Will Valanciunas comply and become the steadfast backup Jokic needs, or will the Nuggets have to navigate another backup center crisis? Either way, Denver's front office is playing hardball, emphasizing team commitment over individual preference. Also read: Bronny James' Viral Dunk Was So Insane, the Internet Thought the NBA Drug Tested Him In summary, the Denver Nuggets have sent a clear and firm message to Jonas Valanciunas: "Honor your contract." This three-word directive reflects the team's determination to secure a reliable backup center for Nikola Jokic and maintain their championship aspirations, despite Valanciunas' expressed interest in leaving for Europe. The Nuggets' stance highlights the high stakes and complex negotiations behind the scenes as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nuggets reportedly tell Jonan Valanciunas they expect him to honor contract
One of the deals that made the Denver Nuggets a winner this offseason was trading for Jonas Valanciunas. He would be the best backup center of the Nikola Jokic era in Denver... Except Valanciunas reportedly wanted to play in Europe. He spoke with officials from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos about a return to Europe, and they reportedly were willing to offer three years, $13 million, which would make him one of the highest-paid players on the continent. Advertisement The problem is it's not Valanciunas' call. Nor Panathinaikos. It's Denver's. Valanciunas can't abandon his two-year, $20.4 million contract and quit the Nuggets. There are FIBA rules about such things. The Nuggets informed Valanciunas' representatives that "the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract," reports ESPN's Shams Charania. If Denver sticks to its guns on this, the conversation is over. While this could be a negotiating tactic by the Nuggets, don't bet on it. Denver wants to contend next season, and Valanciunas is too valuable a player for the Nuggets to just let walk away. For years, Denver's biggest Achilles' heel has been the team's non-Jokic minutes — Valanciunas can help turn that tide (especially when paired with Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson and the emerging Julian Strawther). Also, because Valanciunas is very skilled at dribble handoffs and short midrange shots (inside 15 feet), the Nuggets don't have to switch up their offensive scheme when Jokic is out. The road to Valanciunas playing in Greece next season is long and requires the cooperation of Denver. Under FIBA rules (the governing body of international basketball), a player under contract, such as Valanciunas, needs a FIBA "letter of clearance" to sign with another team. (For the record, this rule applies to European teams trying to sign NBA players, or NBA teams trying to sign European players.) In this case, it would mean Valanciunas and the Nuggets would have to agree to a buyout, freeing him from his contract (the Nuggets would likely expect him to give up all of that money). After that, FIBA would issue the letter and Valanciunas could sign. Advertisement The question is, why would Denver do that? More likely than not, Denver will bring back Valanciunas this season and see how it plays out. A year from now, maybe Denver and Valanciunas work out a buyout, but the Nuggets upgraded this offseason and are serious contenders for another ring. They aren't going to let Valanciunas simply walk away.
NBC Sports
3 days ago
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Nuggets reportedly tell Jonan Valanciunas they expect him to honor contract
One of the deals that made the Denver Nuggets a winner this offseason was trading for Jonas Valanciunas. He would be the best backup center of the Nikola Jokic era in Denver... Except Valanciunas reportedly wanted to play in Europe. He spoke with officials from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos about a return to Europe, and they reportedly were willing to offer three years, $13 million, which would make him one of the highest-paid players on the continent. The problem is it's not Valanciunas' call. Nor Panathinaikos. It's Denver's. Valanciunas can't abandon his two-year, $20.4 million contract and quit the Nuggets. There are FIBA rules about such things. The Nuggets informed Valanciunas' representatives that 'the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract,' reports ESPN's Shams Charania. If Denver sticks to its guns on this, the conversation is over. While this could be a negotiating tactic by the Nuggets, don't bet on it. Denver wants to contend next season, and Valanciunas is too valuable a player for the Nuggets to just let walk away. For years, Denver's biggest Achilles' heel has been the team's non-Jokic minutes — Valanciunas can help turn that tide (especially when paired with Bruce Brown, Peyton Watson and the emerging Julian Strawther). Also, because Valanciunas is very skilled at dribble handoffs and short midrange shots (inside 15 feet), the Nuggets don't have to switch up their offensive scheme when Jokic is out. The road to Valanciunas playing in Greece next season is long and requires the cooperation of Denver. Under FIBA rules (the governing body of international basketball), a player under contract, such as Valanciunas, needs a FIBA 'letter of clearance' to sign with another team. (For the record, this rule applies to European teams trying to sign NBA players, or NBA teams trying to sign European players.) In this case, it would mean Valanciunas and the Nuggets would have to agree to a buyout, freeing him from his contract (the Nuggets would likely expect him to give up all of that money). After that, FIBA would issue the letter and Valanciunas could sign. The question is, why would Denver do that? More likely than not, Denver will bring back Valanciunas this season and see how it plays out. A year from now, maybe Denver and Valanciunas work out a buyout, but the Nuggets upgraded this offseason and are serious contenders for another ring. They aren't going to let Valanciunas simply walk away.
