The NBA has lost one of its most durable Lithuanian centers. Jonas Valanciunas, a 14-year league veteran, has officially signed a two-year contract with Zalgiris Kaunas, ending his American career to return to the EuroLeague club where his professional journey first began . This move marks a historic homecoming for the 34-year-old, who is recognized as the all-time Lithuanian top scorer in NBA history .
Contract Breakdown and Key Details
Zalgiris Kaunas confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, stating that Valanciunas will play for the team through the 2027-28 season . The specific financial terms were not initially released by the club, though industry reports have since provided estimates:
- Duration: A two-year deal covering the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons
- Estimated Earnings: Approximately €5 million (roughly $5.5 million) over the two years
- Official Status: The signing was announced via Zalgiris’s official social media channels, celebrating him as the top Lithuanian NBA scorer
While a minimum-salary NBA deal for two years would have netted him close to $8 million pre-tax, European salaries are typically reported post-tax, making the Zalgiris offer financially competitive for a player of his caliber . This commitment signals a clear intention to settle in Lithuania rather than treat the move as a temporary stopover.
From Denver Back to Kaunas
The path to this signing opened last week when the Denver Nuggets waived Valanciunas, saving the team $8 million as they prepared for the upcoming season . During his single season in Denver, the veteran big man appeared in 65 games, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per contest .
Although his numbers in Denver were solid, they reflected a reduced role as a backup center behind Nikola Jokic, with Valanciunas playing just 13.4 minutes per game . Instead of pursuing another opportunity with a different NBA franchise, the 34-year-old chose to head home to Lithuania, joining a Zalgiris roster that already features several players with NBA ties, including Carsen Edwards and Saben Lee .
A Legacy Built Over 14 Seasons
Valanciunas departs the NBA with an impressive resume spanning 14 seasons and 1,002 career games . His longevity stands as a testament to his durability and consistent value across multiple franchises. Throughout his career, he played for six different teams:
- Toronto Raptors (his original team after being the 5th overall pick in 2011)
- New Orleans Pelicans
- Memphis Grizzlies
- Washington Wizards
- Sacramento Kings
- Denver Nuggets
Across this entire span, Valanciunas compiled career averages of 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game . These statistics place him among the most productive centers of his generation, earning him second-team All-Rookie honors in 2013 and seven Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year awards . His track record as a steady interior presence for rebounding and scoring is a primary reason Zalgiris views his arrival as a major boost for their EuroLeague and domestic campaigns .
What to Expect in Europe
With the contract finalized, Valanciunas will immediately transition to competing in the EuroLeague, a level he has not played at since 2011 . Zalgiris president Paulius Jankunas expressed enthusiasm in a statement, noting the team’s happiness that Valanciunas is returning to Lithuania .
For the upcoming 2026-27 season, Valanciunas is expected to operate as the primary option at the center spot for Zalgiris . His NBA-honed skills in scoring and rebounding, combined with over a decade of top-level experience, will be critical as the team aims to compete on the European stage . As the season approaches, basketball fans will watch closely to see how his style adapts back to the European game he left behind 14 years ago.