While attending his camp in Lithuania, Jonas Valanciunas confirmed he plans to finish his career with hometown club Juventus Utena and said he has no current plans to leave the Sacramento Kings.
Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas is currently back home in Lithuania, hosting his annual basketball camp. While there, he answered questions about his future, especially after expressing interest in a potential return to the EuroLeague.
Jonas Valančiūnas
Jonas Valančiūnas
Jonas Valančiūnas
MIN: 18.7
PTS: 10.33 (61.89%)
REB: 7.66
As: 2
ST: 0.45
BL: 0.59
TO: 1.45
GM: 82
"I can make my own plans, but what the Kings decide is what matters most," Valanciunas told Lithuanian media. "Right now, I'm planning to stay. I haven't heard anything about being traded or moved. Until there is such information, all my focus is on Sacramento."
Valanciunas signed a three-year, $30.3 million deal with the Washington Wizards before being traded to the Kings. The contract guarantees $20.3 million over the first two years, with the final year (2026–27) carrying a non-guaranteed $10 million.
Now 33, Valanciunas is beginning to look ahead to the final chapter of his playing career.
So, where does he see himself finishing?
"I love Lithuania, so why not end my career here?" he said.
Valanciunas hails from Utena, a city of about 25,000 people in northeastern Lithuania.
Naturally, his plan includes playing for his hometown club at the very end of his career.
"Juventus Utena," he specified, referring to the team that competes in Lithuania's top-tier league.
This past season, Valanciunas joined fellow Lithuanian star Domantas Sabonis in Sacramento. Over 32 games with the Kings—including nine starts—he averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds.
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