Jonas Valanciunas has opened up about his decision to return to European basketball after 14 seasons in the NBA, explaining why Zalgiris became the perfect destination for the Lithuanian center.
The 34-year-old officially signed a two-year contract with the Kaunas club and will make his EuroLeague return after more than a decade playing at the highest level in the United States.
Speaking to Zalgiris TV, Valanciunas revealed that the decision process took time, but several factors convinced him that returning home was the right move.
Valanciunas explains why he chose Zalgiris
“The process was quite long and we had many conversations, but Lithuania, Zalgiris and basketball in Lithuania definitely played a big role,” Valanciunas said.
“The fans, as well as what Zalgiris has been building over the last few years, really impressed me. I wanted to be part of everything that is happening here.”
After spending more than a decade in the NBA, the veteran center admitted that experiencing European basketball again is something he is looking forward to.
“People talk a lot about how European fans and the atmosphere in arenas are different compared to the NBA. I think basketball is basketball everywhere, but I definitely want to feel that spirit and energy spreading through the whole arena. Probably that feeling will be strongest during my first EuroLeague game.”
🚨 BLOCKBUSTER MOVE 🚨
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 15, 2026
Jonas Valanciunas is back in Europe after 14 NBA seasons.
The Lithuanian superstar comes home and joins Zalgiris. 🇱🇹 pic.twitter.com/ab2HqcpLdM
Returning to European basketball after 14 years
Valanciunas admitted that adapting back to European basketball will require some adjustments, despite his previous experience with the Lithuanian national team.
“It will be different. During the summer I have played European basketball many times with the national team,” he explained.
“Of course, I will have to change some details and certain parts of my game that fit European basketball more than the NBA. But basketball is basketball – you still have to put the ball in the basket.”
For Valanciunas, the love for the game remains the biggest motivation.
“That is what drives me. I have been doing this since childhood and I cannot imagine myself doing anything else.”
Valanciunas has not spoken with Nikola Jokic yet
During his NBA career, Valanciunas shared the court with several stars, including Nikola Jokic during his time with the Denver Nuggets.
Asked whether Jokic contacted him after his move to Zalgiris, the Lithuanian center admitted that conversation has not happened yet.
“Not yet. Everything is still very fresh, so we will see how things develop and how everything fits together. But I have talked with many people about this whole situation. I want to enjoy basketball, and that is the most important thing.”
Zalgiris add NBA experience ahead of EuroLeague season
With the arrival of Valanciunas, Zalgiris secure one of the most experienced European players of his generation.
After 14 seasons in the NBA, the Lithuanian big man returns home ready for a new challenge – competing once again in the EuroLeague and bringing his leadership to one of Europe’s most passionate basketball environments.
The color of the suit couldn’t be more perfect, Jonas. 😉 pic.twitter.com/FXWNgqdj7I
— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 15, 2026
