Valanciunas returns to Europe, signs two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas

He denied the same report just days earlier.

Wire Report IntelligenceUpdated Jul 161 min read

DEN

Denver NuggetsNBA

Žalgiris Kaunas says it is bringing Jonas Valančiūnas back to Lithuania on a two-year deal. Valančiūnas seemed to push

What happened: Zalgiris Kaunas announced it is bringing Jonas Valanciunas back to Lithuania on a two-year deal, ending his run of 14 NBA seasons. Valanciunas had pushed back on the same report Monday before completing the move. The signing comes after he secured unrestricted free agency last week, following Denver's decision to waive him ahead of a guarantee deadline.

Why it matters: The move closes out a 14-year NBA career and sends a veteran center home to Lithuania's top club. Zalgiris adds a player with over a decade of NBA experience to its EuroLeague roster as it builds for the upcoming season.

By the numbers: Valanciunas played 14 NBA seasons before reaching unrestricted free agency last week and finalizing his two-year Zalgiris contract.

What to watch: Watch for Valanciunas's debut with Zalgiris and how the club deploys him in EuroLeague play this season.

Sources

@TheSteinLine Jul 16, 4:46 AM ET

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Valanciunas returns to Europe, signs two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas

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