Jonas Valanciunas Joins Zalgiris Kaunas on Two-Year Deal After 1,002 NBA Games

NBA veteran Jonas Valanciunas has signed a contract with Zalgiris Kaunas through the 2027-28 season following his release from the Denver Nuggets.

Jonas Valanciunas signed a two-year contract with Zalgiris Kaunas on Wednesday, marking his return to European basketball after a 14-season tenure in the NBA. The 34-year-old big man joins the Lithuanian and EuroLeague professional club following his release by the Denver Nuggets last week. This new agreement secures the center's position in Kaunas through the conclusion of the 2027-28 season, though the specific financial terms of the arrangement remain undisclosed.

Statistical Breakdown of Final NBA Season

During his final campaign in the United States, Valanciunas appeared in 65 games for the Denver Nuggets. He concluded that season with averages of 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest. His departure from the league follows a career where he established himself as the all-time Lithuanian top scorer in NBA history. The move to Zalgiris Kaunas was officially announced by the club via social media, describing the acquisition as "Lithuanian lightning" striking the city.

A Career Spanning Six NBA Franchises

Valanciunas leaves the NBA with a career average of 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game. Over the course of 14 years, he participated in 1,002 total professional games. His journey through the league included stints with six different organizations: the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and finally the Denver Nuggets.

Transition to EuroLeague Competition

By joining Zalgiris Kaunas, Valanciunas transitions from the North American circuit to the EuroLeague stage. This signing represents a significant homecoming for the veteran, who spent over a decade competing at the highest level of basketball in the United States before returning to his native Lithuania. The two-year commitment ensures he will be a central figure for the Kaunas-based squad for the foreseeable future.