Valanciunas 'fully committed' to Nuggets this season

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas put any doubts about his NBA future to bed amid reported interest from Greek EuroLeague club Panathinaikos.

"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me," Valanciunas told Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews. "The idea of playing for Panathinaikos - closer to home - was very exciting to me. But that will have to wait.

"I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship."

Denver acquired the 33-year-old big man from the Sacramento Kings earlier this summer in exchange for Dario Saric.

However, there was some uncertainty about whether Valanciunas would play for the Nuggets after he reportedly traveled to Athens to meet with Panathinaikos.

Valanciunas has two seasons left on his NBA contract, but his $10-million salary for the 2026-27 campaign is non-guaranteed. The Lithuanian's contract with the Nuggets is binding, and the NBA franchise would have had to buy him out in order for him to join Panathinaikos this upcoming season.

He averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 boards, and two assists across 81 appearances with the Kings and Washington Wizards last season. He's expected to play a significant role in Denver as the backup to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic.