Jonas Valanciunas has officially signed with Zalgiris, returning to European basketball after 14 seasons in the NBA and completing one of the biggest EuroLeague transactions of the offseason.
Valanciunas became available after the Denver Nuggets decided to waive the final year of his contract, which was worth approximately $10 million. After spending 48 hours on the waiver wire without being claimed by another NBA team, it became clear that the Lithuanian big man would complete a move that had been expected for some time.
According to BasketNews, Valanciunas is expected to earn around €5 million ($5.5 million) over two seasons with Zalgiris, making him one of the highest-profile arrivals in the EuroLeague this summer.
The 34-year-old center spent the majority of his career as one of the most reliable interior players in the NBA, representing the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans and Washington Wizards before joining Denver.
WARNING: the paint is 𝐂𝐋𝐎𝐒𝐄𝐃 until further notice.
— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 15, 2026
Jonas Valanciunas is back in his homeland. 🔥⚡ pic.twitter.com/oRSEcIcC6B
Zalgiris adds another major piece to ambitious project
Valanciunas becomes the latest addition to an increasingly ambitious Zalgiris roster that has undergone significant changes during the offseason.
The Lithuanian club already made one of the biggest EuroLeague transactions of the summer by signing Carsen Edwards, one of the most dangerous scorers in the competition. The former Bayern guard gives Zalgiris an elite offensive option capable of creating shots and taking responsibility in key moments.
Zalgiris also strengthened its backcourt with Sterling Brown and Saben Lee, adding athleticism, versatility and playmaking ability. The return of Marius Grigonis provided another important boost, while the club also added Marek Blazevic and Maxwell Lewis, who was later sent on loan to continue his development.
With Valanciunas now joining the project, Zalgiris has added experience, size and one of the most recognizable names in European basketball.
Jonas Valanciunas was close to EuroLeague return before
This is not the first time Valanciunas has been linked with a return to Europe.
Last offseason, Panathinaikos made a serious attempt to sign the Lithuanian center, with both sides reportedly showing interest in a potential move.
However, after acquiring Valanciunas, the Denver Nuggets wanted to keep the veteran big man and expected him to remain in the NBA. The move to Greece ultimately did not happen, and Valanciunas continued his career in North America.
Now, one year later, the Lithuanian center is finally returning home and will lead Zalgiris’ frontcourt during the 2026-27 EuroLeague season.
