Feb 10, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) shoots over Dallas Mavericks forward Kessler Edwards (20) during the second half at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

'The Whole Thing Blew Up Like a Bubble' – Denver Nuggets’ Jonas Valanciunas Gets 100% Honest on Rumored Standoff Involving Panathinaikos

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 8:42 AM ET

Jonas Valanciunas believes his situation with the Denver Nuggets was blown out of proportion by the fans and the media, as he offered more insight about it during a recent media availability session.

When the Denver Nuggets acquired Valanciunas in exchange for Dario Saric, many believed that Denver finally got the ideal backup center for Nikola Jokic. However, things got complicated when it was rumored that Valanciunas verbally agreed to a contract to join Panathinaikos BC.

“Once the trade is finalized, we’ll put together the plan for the trip to Denver. The team will outline how they see the situation, medicals, and all the details. That part is up to the them,” Valanciunas explained via BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas.

Mar 3, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valanciunas (17) is fouled by Dallas Mavericks forward Kai Jones (23) during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

“You can say whatever you want — people have already said plenty. The whole thing blew up like a bubble. We’ll only know for sure once that first game is played. That’s when everything will be clear,” he added.

Denver Nuggets News: Nikola Jokic not yet ready to sign a new extension

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Nikola Jokic declined his contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this offseason. The three-time league MVP still has two seasons left on his current deal and a player option for the 2027-28 campaign.

Nikola Jokic Leads Denver Nuggets with Amazing Performance vs. Warriors 2 Apr 4, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) drives to the basket past Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) in the first period at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

Both sides reportedly expected this because Jokic can fetch more money next year, earning up to an additional $80 million in the summer of 2026. If he signs his max extension next offseason, he would be under contract until 2031.

This offseason, the Denver Nuggets have reloaded the supporting cast around Jokic with the additions of Bruce Brown, Cameron Johnson , and Tim Hardaway Jr.