May 18, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Aaron Gordon (32) looks over stats in the fourth quarter against the Denver Nuggets of game seven of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Latest Update on New Nuggets Player Leaving Team

Originally posted on Denver Nuggets on SI
By Liam Willerup | Last updated Jul 5, 2025 12:53 AM ET

The Denver Nuggets took the NBA Champions, Oklahoma City Thunder, to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals, but weren't able to get the job done as the franchise won its first title since making the move from Seattle. With Nikola Jokic making his desires known for the team to add more depth, the Nuggets delivered this offseason.

Denver made two important free agency signings, adding bench depth in Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. In addition, they also made two trades, acquiring Cam Johnson from the Brooklyn Nets and Jonas Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings. While Denver thought they had their backup in Valanciunas, the latest report reveals where he stands with his NBA exit.

Jonas Valančiūnas is traveling to Greece per numerous reports and hopes to be released from his NBA contract after Denver acquires him Sunday from Sacramento to join Panathinaikos.

The Nuggets’ consolation: They would gain access to their full MLE.

More: https://t.co/HpE639WN7H https://t.co/nUoE7G8TKn pic.twitter.com/nExJLDbxWC
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2025

According to EuroHoops , "NBA center Jonas Valanciunas arrived in Athens, Greece Friday (4/7) night to complete a multiyear deal with EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos." The deal is expected to be finalized in the coming days, as the trade between the Kings and Nuggets has yet to be finalized.

While it's a major loss for the Nuggets, who thought they had their backup center for next season, they will be rewarded with having their full MLE at $14.1 million. With that much at their disposal, they can target someone like Al Horford, giving him a higher salary than other teams trying to land him.

If Jonas Valanciunas leaves the NBA for Greece, the Nuggets could unlock their $14.1 million exception.

Imagine this results in them swooping in and signing Al Horford before the Warriors can? pic.twitter.com/EVKAVS99VX
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 4, 2025

If this is the end of Valanciunas' NBA career, he finishes with 13 seasons played and career averages of 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game. While the only award he took home was an All-Rookie Second Team honor in 2013, he was a quality center throughout his career.

This article first appeared on Denver Nuggets on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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