Jonas Valanciunas, a veteran NBA center recently traded to the Denver Nuggets from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, considered leaving the NBA to join Greek EuroLeague powerhouse Panathinaikos. Panathinaikos reportedly offered Valanciunas a three-year contract worth nearly €12 million, which attracted him to explore the possibility of playing overseas. Valanciunas traveled to Athens to undergo medical examinations and negotiate with Panathinaikos officials. However, the Denver Nuggets have made it clear they intend to keep Valanciunas under contract and expect him to honor the remaining two years of his deal, which includes a salary of $10.4 million for the 2025-26 season and $10 million for 2026-27. The Nuggets do not plan to negotiate a buyout, effectively blocking his move to Greece unless he is released from his NBA contract. Despite Valanciunas' interest in Europe and his agent notifying Panathinaikos of his desire to leave the NBA, communication with the Nuggets was lacking, causing friction. The Nuggets remain determined to have Valanciunas as a key backup center to Nikola Jokic and have reportedly agreed to guarantee the final year of his contract, providing assurances for his continued NBA tenure. Valanciunas has been cryptic about his future but is expected to stay with Denver after the trade is finalized and a public appearance in Lithuania. The Nuggets view him as a critical addition to their roster and are proceeding with the trade despite the ongoing saga.