Nuggets Giving No Indication They Will Buy Out Jonas Valanciunas

Jonas Valanciunas appears to be staying put. Despite receiving what has been described as a significant offer from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos, the veteran center is expected to remain with the Denver Nuggets for the 2025-26 season.

There is currently no indication that a buyout is in the works, and Denver has shown no interest in parting ways with the 33-year-old big man, according to a report from BasketNews.com’s Donatas Urbonas.

Valanciunas was acquired in a trade with the Sacramento Kings earlier this offseason in exchange for Dario Saric, giving the Nuggets an experienced, physical presence behind Nikola Jokic. The move was part of a larger push by Denver’s front office to stabilize the second unit and improve its depth in the frontcourt.

Panathinaikos had hoped to lure Valanciunas back overseas with a long-term deal and a prominent role, but that possibility seems to be off the table for now. According to Altitude TV’s Vic Lombardi, the Nuggets are committed to keeping him, even with the outside interest.

“The Nuggets believe (Valanciunas) will play here and time will heal,” Lombardi said during an appearance on Altitude Sports Radio 92.5, as relayed by Eurohoops.

Valanciunas addressed the overseas rumors this month but stopped short of saying anything definitive. Still, all signs point to the Lithuanian center staying in the NBA.

For the Nuggets, his presence offers valuable size, toughness, and playoff experience. And given Jokic’s heavy minutes and the lack of true depth behind him in recent seasons, keeping Valanciunas may prove to be one of the team’s more underrated offseason moves.