Veteran center Jonas Valanciunas is returning to his homeland following a 14-year career in the NBA.
He's signed a two-year contract with Lithuanian side Zalgiris Kaunas, the team announced Wednesday.
"We are very happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Zalgiris Kaunas," Zalgiris president Paulius Jankunas said in a statement. "From our very first conversations, I heard him repeatedly say that he wanted to come back to Lithuania, play in the Zalgirio Arena, experience that incredible atmosphere, and win games."
The 34-year-old was waived by the Denver Nuggets on July 8 following one season with the team.
Valanciunas was selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft by the Toronto Raptors. He spent the better part of seven seasons with the Raptors before an in-season trade to the Memphis Grizzlies for Marc Gasol. He also enjoyed spells with the New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings.
The seven-time Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year averaged 12.8 points and nine rebounds across 1,002 regular-season games.
