Valanciunas Ends NBA Era: 2-Year Zalgiris Deal Confirmed
Jonas Valanciunas is officially leaving the NBA to return to his roots in Lithuania. The 34-year-old veteran center has signed a **two-year contract** with **Zalgiris Kaunas**, the historic EuroLeague club where his professional journey began before his 2011 NBA draft selection . This move closes a **14-season chapter** in the United States and marks his first return to European competition since 2011, reuniting him with the team and country that launched his global basketball career .
Contract Breakdown and Financial Details
Zalgiris Kaunas made the signing official on **Wednesday, July 15, 2026**, confirming that Valanciunas will play for the club through the end of the **2027-28 season** . While the team did not publicly disclose the financial terms in their initial press release, industry reports have provided a clearer picture of the deal’s value .
- Duration:</ Two years, covering the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons
- Reported Value: Approximately **€5 million** (roughly **$5.5 million**) total over the two years
- Comparison: A minimum-salary two-year deal in the NBA would have been near $8 million pre-tax, but European salaries are typically reported as post-tax totals
- Official Announcement: The club introduced him as “the all-time NBA Lithuanian top scorer” via social media
From Denver to Kaunas: The Path Home
The decision to return to Europe follows Valanciunas’s **release by the Denver Nuggets** just last week. His stint in Denver was brief, consisting of only one season where he served primarily as a backup to star Nikola Jokic . During that 2025-26 campaign, Valanciunas appeared in **65 games**, averaging **8.7 points** and **5.1 rebounds** in about 13.4 minutes per contest .
Although he received interest from multiple NBA teams looking for veteran depth, Valanciunas chose to prioritize a long-term homecoming over another short-term NBA role . The two-year commitment signals a definitive shift in his career trajectory, moving away from the “backup center” role he held in the NBA to become a **primary option** at the center spot for Zalgiris .
Valanciunas NBA Career Statistics
Valanciunas leaves the league with a resume that spans nearly every major region of the NBA, having played for six different franchises over 14 seasons. His durability is evident in his total game count, which stands at **1,002 regular-season appearances** (including 854 starts) .
| Category | Statistic | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Seasons Played | 14 | 2011–2026 |
| Total Games | 1,002 | 854 starts |
| Career Points Per Game | 12.8 | Consistent scorer |
| Career Rebounds Per Game | 9.0 | Elite rebounder |
| Draft Position | 5th Overall | 2011 NBA Draft by Toronto |
| Honors | 2nd Team All-Rookie | 2013 |
His career included stints with the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets . These career averages of 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game place him among the most productive and reliable centers of his generation .
Roster Impact for Zalgiris
Valanciunas’s arrival is expected to be a transformative addition for Zalgiris Kaunas as they prepare for the upcoming **2026-27 EuroLeague and domestic season** . He joins a roster already featuring several players with NBA experience, including **Carsen Edwards**, **Saben Lee**, **Nigel Williams-Goss**, and **Sterling Brown** .
For Zalgiris president **Paulius Jankunas**, the signing represents a emotional homecoming as well as a strategic upgrade. In a statement, Jankunas expressed, “We are very happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Zalgiris Kaunas” . The club has now completed its roster for the upcoming season with no further additions expected, cementing Valanciunas as the centerpiece of their frontcourt .
As the 2026-27 season approaches, basketball fans across Europe will watch closely to see how Valanciunas’s NBA-honed skills adapt to the European game. His return brings over a decade of top-level experience to a team that views him not just as a player, but as a national icon returning to the stage where his legend began .
