A resolution regarding Jonas Valanciunas' future with the Denver Nuggets is expected within the next couple of days, potentially putting an end to speculation about a move to Panathinaikos.
The Jonas Valanciunas trade to the Denver Nuggets was officially announced on Sunday, but the story might not be over just yet. According to Ryan Blackburn of Mile High Sports, a final resolution could be coming soon.
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
Reports linking Valanciunas to EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos Athens have cast some doubt over the deal, but clarity appears to be on the horizon.
"We should have a clear resolution in the next couple of days," Blackburn reported and gave his educated assumption:
"I think he [Valanciunas] plays for the Nuggets this year and then goes overseas next year. That's my official prediction."
Well-known NBA insider Marc Stein echoed a similar belief a day earlier on the DNVR Nuggets Podcast:
"I think he's going to be a Nugget, I really do. I really don't expect otherwise."
Credit B8 Summit
Meanwhile, ESPN's Shams Charania reported that the Nuggets acquired Valanciunas with the intention of keeping him. The 2023 NBA champions see the 33-year-old veteran as a key piece of their rotation moving forward.
"Once the trade is finalized, we'll put together the plan for the trip to Denver," Valanciunas recently told BasketNews. "The team will outline how they see the situation, medicals, and all the details. That part is up to them."
For Valanciunas to join Panathinaikos, the Nuggets would first need to release him and issue a letter of clearance.
"If he doesn't have a letter of clearance stamped by FIBA but that comes from the NBA, he cannot join another team," Marc Stein explained. "That's where Denver really has the upper hand, and that's why I do say, my expectation is he is going to be in Denver for next season."
Valanciunas is currently on a three-year, $30.3 million contract originally signed with the Washington Wizards in 2024. The first two years are fully guaranteed, while the third year (2026–27) is a team option worth around $10 million.
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