After a remarkable 14-year tenure in the United States, Jonas Valanciunas has officially closed his NBA chapter to return to his homeland. The 34-year-old Lithuanian center signed a **two-year contract** with **Zalgiris Kaunas** on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, joining the historic EuroLeague club that launched his professional career. This move transforms the all-time top Lithuanian scorer in NBA history into a central figure for one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball institutions.
Contract Breakdown and Financial Terms
Zalgiris Kaunas confirmed the agreement through their official channels, highlighting Valanciunas’s legendary status in Lithuanian basketball. The deal secures his presence on the roster through the **2027-28 season**. While the club did not publicly release the exact financial figures, industry reports from BasketNews provide a clearer picture of the compensation.
- Duration:</ Two full seasons (2025-26 through 2027-28)
- Estimated Value:</ Approximately **€5 million** (roughly **$5.5 million**) over the two-year period
- Role:</ Expected to serve as the primary offensive option at the center spot
This financial arrangement is significant when compared to potential NBA alternatives. A minimum-salary, two-year contract in the NBA would have netted him close to **$8 million**, but that figure is pre-tax. European salaries are typically reported as post-tax totals, meaning the net value of his Zalgiris deal is highly competitive for a veteran player seeking stability on home soil.
From Denver Back to Kaunas
The path to this signing began just last week when the **Denver Nuggets** waived Valanciunas. His time in Denver was brief, comprising only one season where he served as a backup to superstar Nikola Jokic. In **65 games** during the 2025-26 season, he averaged **8.7 points** and **5.1 rebounds** while playing just **13.4 minutes** per contest.
Despite interest from multiple NBA teams looking for veteran depth, Valanciunas chose to leave the league entirely rather than continue as a reserve. The decision underscores a desire to play a leading role rather than adapt to a diminished function. By choosing Zalgiris, he returns to the city where he played for **Perlas Vilnius** and **Lietuvos Rytas** before being selected by the Toronto Raptors in the 2011 NBA Draft.
NBA Career Statistics by Team
Valanciunas leaves the NBA with a resume that spans six different franchises and over 1,000 games. His longevity and consistency made him a reliable force for more than a decade, starting as the **fifth overall pick** in the 2011 draft. The table below details his journey across the league:
| NBA Team | Key Contribution |
|---|---|
| Toronto Raptors | Spent 6.5 seasons; starter on championship-contending teams |
| New Orleans Pelicans | Became a primary scoring option and double-digit scorer |
| Memphis Grizzlies | Contributed as a veteran presence in the Western Conference |
| Washington Wizards | Continued consistent rebounding and interior scoring |
| Sacramento Kings | Provided depth and scoring in a rebuilding roster |
| Denver Nuggets | Played 65 games as a backup before being waived |
Across his entire **14-season career**, Valanciunas accumulated **1,002 regular-season games** (including 854 starts). His career averages of **12.8 points** and **9.0 rebounds** per game place him among the most productive centers of his generation. He also earned **second-team All-Rookie** honors in 2013, an early indicator of his immediate impact in the league.
What to Expect in Europe
With the ink dry on his contract, Valanciunas will not just be a roster addition; he will be a statement signing for Zalgiris Kaunas. The club’s president, **Paulius Jankunas**, expressed immense pride in the return, stating, “We are very happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Zalgiris Kaunas”.
Zalgiris is completing its roster for the upcoming **2026-27 season** with this addition, and no further players are expected to be added. Valanciunas will join a squad that already features several players with NBA experience, including **Carsen Edwards**, **Saben Lee**, **Nigel Williams-Goss**, and **Sterling Brown**. This mix of NBA veterans and European talent creates a formidable lineup for both the EuroLeague and the domestic Lithuanian league.
This marks Valanciunas’s first time playing for a EuroLeague team since 2011, ending a long hiatus from top-tier European competition. As the season approaches, fans will watch closely to see how his NBA-honed skills translate to the European style of play, where he is expected to dominate the paint and lead the offense as the team’s top option.
