What Jonas Valanciunas’ reported interest in European move means for Denver Nuggets
Vinny Benedetto [email protected]
The Jonas Valanciunas era in Denver might be over before it ever started.
Valanciunas is considering a move to Europe, according to multiple reports Thursday afternoon. Greek club Panathinaikos Athens is prepared to offer the center a three-year contract worth $14 million, according to BasketNews.
There’s only one problem.
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The 6-foot-11 center still has an NBA contract worth $10.4 million for next season. For Valanciunas to move abroad, he would have to reach a buyout before signing a new contract.
In a similar situation last year, Sasha Vezenkov forfeited his entire $6.7 million salary in a buyout with Toronto to facilitate his own move to Olympiacos, another Greek club. If the Nuggets and Valanciunas reach a buyout, whatever amount the player gives up will be removed from Denver’s payroll. If Valanciunas follows Vezenkov’s lead and gives up his entire salary, the trade with Sacramento would effectively be a salary dump of Dario Saric’s $5.4 million salary for next season.
The Nuggets hoped the 33-year-old Lithuanian would be the answer to Denver’s years-long problem at backup center. Valanciunas has played in more than 70 games in each of the last four seasons. He averaged 10.4 points, 7.7 rebounds and 2 assists while starting last season with the Wizards and finishing his 13th, and potentially final, NBA season.