New Nuggets acquisition Jonas Valanciunas could leave for Greece in wild turn

Don’t go buying that Jonas Valanciunas Nuggets swag just yet.

The veteran big man is “close” to joining Greek team Panathinaikos in a shocking turn after Denver agreed to acquire him from Sacramento earlier this week, according to basketnews.com.

Valanciunas, 33, reportedly has been offered a three-year deal worth roughly $13 million per season.

The Nuggets would pay him $10.395 million this upcoming season and have a team option worth $10 million for the 2026-27 season.

Valanciunas could seek a buyout to head to Greece, per NBA Insider Marc Stein. However, doing so would put the two NBA teams involved in this transaction in a tough spot.

The Nuggets landed the former first-round pick in a trade that sent Dario Saric to the Kings, but the deal cannot be completed until the new league year begins July 6.

The teams are still expected to proceed with the deal despite the uncertainty, per The Denver Post.

The deal gives the Nuggets a better interior piece to serve as Nikola Jokic’s backup with two possible years of control, while the Kings freed up future space since Saric is on an expiring deal.

Valancinuas, a native of Lithuania who played in Europe for four seasons before entering the NBA, at first liked joining the Nuggets, since he would be on a championship contender, per basketnews.com.

However, the offer from the Greek powerhouse changed the complexion.

The deal provides more financial security over a longer stretch, while also allowing him to play for a championship contender, according to the outlet.

Valanciunas cannot just head to the EuroLeague, though, since the Nuggets hold his rights, as noted by The Denver Post.

The sides could potentially try to agree to a buyout or a contract restructuring closer to the offered terms, while it’s always possible Denver could agree to decline his player option next season.

One major concern for the Nuggets is that there are few quality centers available to obtain at this point, although Al Horford has yet to agree to a deal.

Denver, after falling to the champion Thunder in seven games in the second round, has already agreed to one blockbuster this offseason in sending Michael Porter Jr. to the Nets for Cam Johnson.

Valancinuas has played for five teams in his 13-season career and has averaged 10.4 points and 7.7 rebounds last season with the Kings and Wizards.

He’s tallied 13.1 points and 9.3 rebounds per game for his career.