Jonas Valanciunas is headed back to European basketball, closing a 14-season run in the NBA.
The 34-year-old Lithuanian center has agreed to a two-year deal with Zalgiris Kaunas, the Lithuanian club that also competes in the EuroLeague. The contract extends through the 2027-28 season, though financial details were not announced.
“The Lithuanian lightning strikes in Kaunas.”
All-time NBA Lithuanian top scorer Jonas Valanciunas signs a 2-year deal with Zalgiris! 💚⚡️ pic.twitter.com/tCgXItJFAh
— BC Zalgiris Kaunas (@bczalgiris) July 15, 2026
Valanciunas’ return to Lithuania follows his release by the Denver Nuggets last week. In 65 games with Denver last season, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds.
Across his NBA career, Valanciunas played 1,002 games for the Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings and Nuggets, posting averages of 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.
