Jonas Valančiūnas likely played final NBA season; Žalgiris offers two-year deal worth €2M per season

Key facts

• Jonas Valančiūnas averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game this season.
• Denver Nuggets lost 2-4 to Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the NBA playoffs.
• Žalgiris Kaunas is offering a guaranteed two-year contract with a first-season salary of approximately €2 million.
• Valančiūnas last played in Europe in 2012 for Vilnius Rytas.
• Žalgiris currently trails 0-2 in the EuroLeague quarterfinal series against Fenerbahçe.
• Moses Wright is expected to leave Žalgiris after the season, and Marek Blaževičius is set to return.

A potential farewell to the NBA

Jonas Valančiūnas may have played his last NBA game. The 33-year-old center and his Denver Nuggets were eliminated 2-4 by the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the playoffs, ending a season that saw him post modest averages of 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. After 14 seasons across the Atlantic, the Lithuanian big man is reportedly considering a return to Europe. Journalist Rokas Pakėnas of 15min.lt first reported that Valančiūnas could be heading back, with Kauno Žalgiris emerging as a serious suitor.

Žalgiris makes a concrete offer

According to journalist Jonas Lekšas of Krepsinis.net, talks between Valančiūnas and Žalgiris have advanced significantly. The Lithuanian club is offering a guaranteed two-year contract, with the first season's salary estimated at around €2 million. Žalgiris has a pressing need for a center. Moses Wright, the team's primary big man, is expected to depart after the season, while Marek Blaževičius is set to return after a previous stint in Kaunas did not work out.

Valančiūnas’ European pedigree

Valančiūnas last played in Europe in 2012, when he suited up for Vilnius Rytas. Since then, he has carved out a solid NBA career, but at 33, the window for a high-impact return to the EuroLeague may be closing. Last summer, the veteran was linked with Panathinaikos Athens, but no deal materialized. Now, Žalgiris appears to be the frontrunner, with the club hoping to secure a player who could transform their frontcourt.

Žalgiris’ current predicament

Žalgiris is in the midst of a EuroLeague quarterfinal series against Fenerbahçe Istanbul, trailing 0-2. If they fail to mount a comeback in the coming week, their season will continue with the Lithuanian Basketball League regular-season finish and playoffs. The club's interest in Valančiūnas signals a long-term vision, even as immediate results hang in the balance. The potential addition of a seasoned NBA center would be a major statement of intent.

What comes next

The next few weeks will be crucial. Valančiūnas must decide whether to accept Žalgiris’ offer or explore other options, possibly including staying in the NBA. For Žalgiris, securing his signature would address a critical roster gap and provide a marquee name to lead their frontcourt. If the deal goes through, it would mark the end of a 14-year NBA chapter for Valančiūnas and the beginning of a new one in Kaunas, where he would be expected to make an immediate impact in the EuroLeague.

The bottom line

• Jonas Valančiūnas likely played his final NBA season after Denver’s first-round exit.
• Žalgiris Kaunas has offered a two-year contract worth around €2 million per season.
• Valančiūnas last played in Europe in 2012 for Vilnius Rytas.
• Žalgiris needs a center after Moses Wright’s expected departure and Marek Blaževičius’ return.
• The club is currently trailing 0-2 in the EuroLeague quarterfinals against Fenerbahçe.
• A decision on Valančiūnas’ future is expected in the coming weeks.