A Long-Awaited Return to Kaunas
Jonas Valanciunas has officially ended his 14-year stint in the National Basketball Association to return to European basketball. The 34-year-old center signed a **two-year contract** with **Zalgiris Kaunas**, the historic club where his professional journey originally began before he entered the NBA draft in 2011 . This move marks a significant homecoming for the Lithuanian national, who is widely recognized as the **all-time top scorer** for Lithuanian players in NBA history .
The announcement was made on **Wednesday, July 15, 2026**, confirming that Valanciunas will remain with the team through the **2027-28 season** . While the official financial terms were not released by the club, reports from BasketNews indicate the deal is valued at approximately **$5.5 million** (roughly €5 million) over the two years . This decision represents a clear pivot from the NBA, where he had recently been waived by the Denver Nuggets, to a role where he is expected to be a primary offensive option .
Why the Move Happened Now
The path back to Lithuania opened quickly after Valanciunas was **waived by the Denver Nuggets** just one week prior to the signing. His single season in Denver served as a backup role behind Nikola Jokic, limiting his statistical output compared to his earlier career peaks . In those 65 games with the Nuggets, Valanciunas averaged **8.7 points** and **5.1 rebounds** per contest, playing roughly 13.4 minutes per game .
Rather than seeking another backup role in the NBA, Valanciunas opted for a leadership position in Europe. A minimum-salary two-year deal in the US would have reportedly netted him closer to **$8 million** before taxes, but European salaries are typically calculated based on post-tax totals, making the net value of his Zalgiris offer competitive . The two-year commitment signals his intention to settle into this new chapter rather than treating it as a temporary stopover .
NBA Career Statistics at a Glance
Valanciunas leaves the NBA with a resume defined by durability and consistent production. Over **14 seasons** and **1,002 career games**, he played for six different franchises, establishing himself as one of the most reliable interior players of his generation . His career averages stand at **12.8 points** and **9.0 rebounds** per game, numbers that reflect his value as a primary scoring and rebounding force in the league .
| Statistic | Value | Context |
|---|---|---|
| Total Games Played | 1,002 | 854 starts over 14 seasons |
| Career Points Per Game | 12.8 | Consistently above 10 PPG for most years |
| Career Rebounds Per Game | 9.0 | Near double-double average throughout career |
| Teams Played For | 6 | Toronto, Memphis, New Orleans, Washington, Sacramento, Denver |
His journey began with the **Toronto Raptors**, who selected him as the **fifth overall pick** in the 2011 NBA Draft . He earned **second-team All-Rookie honors** in 2013 before moving through the league, including significant stints with the **Memphis Grizzlies** and **New Orleans Pelicans** . His final stop in America was with the **Washington Wizards** and **Sacramento Kings** before his brief tenure in Denver .
What to Expect at Zalgiris
Upon joining Zalgiris Kaunas, Valanciunas will enter a roster that already features several players with NBA experience, including Carsen Edwards, Saben Lee, Nigel Williams-Goss, and Sterling Brown . His presence is expected to immediately elevate the team’s performance in both the **EuroLeague** and the domestic Lithuanian league . Unlike his backup role in Denver, Valanciunas is anticipated to operate as the **top option** at the center spot, leveraging his scoring and rebounding skills as a primary leader .
This signing is particularly notable given his early career history. Valanciunas originally started his professional career with **Lietuvos Rytas**, which is Zalgiris’ biggest rival in Lithuania . He played for Rytas until 2012 before moving to the NBA, making this return to his native country a full-circle moment that reunites him with the city of Kaunas after a decade and a half abroad . As the 2026-27 season approaches, the basketball world will watch closely to see how his NBA-honed skills adapt back to the European game .