Jonas Valanciunas is close to making a stunning move. The veteran center is nearing a new challenge overseas with Panathinaikos Athens, sources tell BasketNews.
Jonas Valanciunas is preparing to close the NBA chapter of his career. According to BasketNews sources, the 33-year-old Lithuanian is close to accepting an offer from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens.
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
BasketNews sources indicate that the Lithuanian national team center was lured by Panathinaikos' three-year offer worth nearly €12 million.
Meanwhile, his current NBA contract was only guaranteed through the 2025–26 season, during which the Denver Nuggets would pay him $10.4 million.
Next summer, the Nuggets hold the option to either extend the deal for one more season or decline the $10 million team option.
Valanciunas spent thirteen seasons in the NBA.
Throughout his career with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings, the Lithuanian big man averaged 13.1 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 25 minutes per game.
Donatas Urbonas
Donatas Urbonas is an award-winning Lithuanian basketball journalist, recognized as the best sports journalist in Lithuania in 2016 and the top basketball journalist in 2018. A Vilnius University journalism graduate, Urbonas has reported on major global sports events, including the Rio 2016 and Paris 2024 Olympics, FIBA World Cups, EuroBaskets, NBA Summer League, and NBA Draft.
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Karolis Tiškevičius
Patyręs sporto žurnalistas ir laidų vedėjas, aktyviai dirbęs tiek radijuje, tiek televizijoje. Komentavo olimpines žaidynes, Eurolygą, LKL, vedė įvairias pramogines ir sporto laidas. Filmo „Arvydas Sabonis.11" prodiuseris. Už nuopelnus krepšinio žurnalistikoje 2020 m. LKF buvo pripažintas geriausiu šios srities profesionalu Lietuvoje. BasketNews.lt su pertraukomis dirba nuo 2010 m., parengė daugybę laidų, šimtus interviu ir video reportažų.
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