It’s official, Jonas Valanciunas has decided.
He is committed to playing for the Denver Nuggets.
Valanciunas addressed his plans Monday, marking his first statement since the Nuggets acquired him from the Sacramento Kings.
“I want to clarify my intentions for the upcoming season, especially now that Denver has decided to retain me,” Valanciunas stated to BasketNews. “The possibility of joining Panathinaikos, being nearer to my family, was appealing, but it will have to be postponed.”
“I am fully dedicated to fulfilling my contractual obligations with the Nuggets this season and will put in every effort to compete for a championship.”
The Nuggets pursued Valanciunas to provide essential support for three-time MVP center Nikola Jokić. However, soon after the July 2 trade, reports surfaced that Valanciunas was being approached by Greek EuroLeague team Panathinaikos, fueling concerns that he might not play for Denver.
Monday’s announcement should put an end to those rumors, especially considering Valanciunas had previously hesitated to commit to Denver when given the opportunity.
Jonas Valanciunas ended speculation that he wouldn’t report to the Nuggets amid reported offers from Greece’s Panathinaikos.
(Tyler McFarland/Clarkson Creative via Getty Images)
Valanciunas previously wasn’t so clear
Valanciunas is committed to Denver through the second year of a three-year, $30.3 million contract. Following news of Panathinaikos’ interest in Valanciunas, Nuggets management emphasized their expectation for Valanciunas to fulfill his contractual obligations.
“We have had constructive discussions, and he is enthusiastic about honoring his contract and becoming a Nugget,” executive vice president of basketball operations Ben Tenzer mentioned during a press conference last week.
Valanciunas’ contract grants exclusive professional basketball rights to the NBA team holding them. To join Panathinaikos, located closer to his native Lithuania, he would require explicit consent from the Nuggets, who recently traded for him.
Valanciunas had previously given an ambiguous response when questioned by Lithuanian media about his intentions.
“The situation will become apparent when the first game takes place,” Valanciunas stated on July 8. “Everything will be resolved.”
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Once it was apparent that Denver would not release him from his contract, Valanciunas had limited options to continue playing for a team other than the Nuggets. On Monday, he communicated clearly his intention to report to Denver and “give it my all.”
This development benefits the Nuggets greatly. The addition of Valanciunas represents a crucial element in the offseason roster improvements, aiming to restore the Nuggets to championship contention, reminiscent of Jokić’s leadership in securing the franchise’s first NBA title three seasons ago.
Key addition for Nuggets
Jokić averaged 36.7 minutes per game last season, exceeding his previous career high by more than two minutes. This was due to the Nuggets’ lack of a dependable backup center, which resulted in a noticeable decline in performance when Jokić was off the court.
Jokić faced demanding physical matchups in the post during two challenging seven-game playoff series against Clippers center Ivica Zubac and Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein. The absence of a suitable backup forced Jokić to increase his playing time to 40.2 minutes per game in the postseason.
Standing at 6-foot-11 and weighing 265 pounds, Valanciunas offers a strong physical presence in the post, capable of providing Jokić with vital rest during similar situations. He made a significant impact for the Kings and Wizards last season, averaging 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds in just 18.8 minutes per game.
Valanciunas, along with Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Bruce Brown, represents new additions to Denver, following last season’s team that engaged in a closely contested second-round playoff series, extending to seven games against the eventual champion Oklahoma City Thunder.
