The Denver Nuggets are pulling out all the stops this offseason in a desperate attempt to shore up their roster around three-time MVP Nikola Jokić, and the latest headline move involves veteran big man Jonas Valančiūnas. After a turbulent couple of offseasons that saw several key players leave, the Nuggets knew they had to act decisively—and Valančiūnas was viewed as the perfect answer to one of their biggest roster holes.

But now, controversy is brewing as the Lithuanian center appears to be considering a stunning exit, throwing the Nuggets’ offseason plans into chaos.

Denver’s Championship Core Is Slowly Eroding

The Nuggets’ historic 2023 NBA Championship run felt like the start of a dynasty. However, in the seasons since, they’ve suffered key losses:

Bruce Brown, a vital sixth man in the championship run, signed a lucrative deal with the Indiana Pacers.

Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the defensive glue of the perimeter, left for the Orlando Magic.

Rotational players Thomas Bryant, Reggie Jackson, and Jeff Green found new homes across the league.

Even with Jamal Murray, Aaron Gordon, and Michael Porter Jr. returning alongside Jokić, the team that captured the Larry O’Brien Trophy hasn’t looked the same. The supporting cast lacked the depth and defensive intensity that made Denver a complete unit.

Nuggets Get Aggressive to Rebuild Depth

Facing the risk of falling behind in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, the Nuggets front office took a more aggressive approach this offseason. One of the biggest swings came when they traded Michael Porter Jr. and a first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for sharpshooter Cam Johnson. Johnson’s ability to spread the floor and play smart team defense addressed two pressing needs.

In addition, Denver reunited with Bruce Brown, who returned after stints with the Pacers, Raptors, and Pelicans. They also added veteran scorer Tim Hardaway Jr., bolstering their wing depth for a playoff push.

But the most crucial move centered around their need for a reliable backup center, a problem that had plagued them for years.

Jonas Valančiūnas: The Answer to Denver’s Backup Center Problem

For several seasons, the Nuggets struggled to find a trustworthy backup behind Jokić. While the Serbian superstar is virtually unstoppable when he’s on the floor, Denver consistently lost ground when he rested.

Enter Jonas Valančiūnas, one of the league’s most skilled and durable traditional centers. The Nuggets traded forward Dario Šarić to the Sacramento Kings in exchange for the Lithuanian big man. Valančiūnas, fresh off averaging 12.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, brought size, rebounding, and veteran savvy—an ideal complement to Jokić’s brilliance.

This acquisition was seen by many as the Nuggets’ biggest win of the offseason, solving one of their most glaring weaknesses ahead of another title run.

Trouble in Paradise: Valančiūnas Eyes EuroLeague Return

Just as the Nuggets thought they had filled a major hole, news broke that Valančiūnas was considering a move back to Europe. According to reports from BasketNews, Valančiūnas was in advanced talks with Panathinaikos Athens, one of the EuroLeague’s top teams, on a three-year, €12 million deal (roughly $13 million USD).

The opportunity would allow the Lithuanian star to play closer to home, compete at a high level, and perhaps ease the travel demands of the NBA’s grueling schedule.

But there was one major obstacle: Valančiūnas is under contract with the Nuggets, and Denver has no intention of letting him walk.

Nuggets Refuse to Release Valančiūnas From NBA Contract

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the Nuggets are making it abundantly clear that Valančiūnas will be expected to honor his contract.

“League sources told The Stein Line on Saturday that the Nuggets, behind the scenes, are signaling to Valančiūnas that they do not intend to let him out of his NBA contract,” Stein reported.

Denver’s front office views Valančiūnas as a critical piece of their championship puzzle, and they sacrificed valuable depth in Šarić to acquire him. Letting him walk to Europe without ever playing a game would not only hurt the team’s rotation but make the earlier trade look like a blunder.

Denver’s Desperate Search for a Backup Finally Answered—Or Not?

The Nuggets’ backup center woes have haunted them since the start of the Jokić era. Time after time, they cycled through options that failed to deliver consistent results when Jokić sat. Valančiūnas was supposed to be the solution—a veteran with a well-rounded offensive game and physical rebounding presence.

But now, the team finds itself in limbo. If Valančiūnas follows through on his European plans, Denver will be back at square one, scrambling to find another option before the regular season.

Why Jonas Valančiūnas Was the Perfect Fit

Valančiūnas wasn’t just any backup center. He brought a unique skill set to Denver:

Strong low-post scoring ability, providing a different offensive look from Jokić.

Elite rebounding, addressing one of Denver’s weaknesses when Jokić rested.

Veteran leadership, critical in a locker room that lost several championship pieces.

Playoff experience, having made deep postseason runs with the Raptors, Grizzlies, and Pelicans.

His signing was supposed to give Jokić much-needed rest during the season and keep the Nuggets competitive in his absence.

Panathinaikos’ Tempting Offer: A Personal Decision for Valančiūnas

Panathinaikos Athens, one of Europe’s most prestigious basketball clubs, represents an enticing opportunity for Valančiūnas. Playing in Greece would:

Allow him to be closer to Lithuania and his family.

Minimize the physical toll of the NBA schedule.

Offer the chance to compete for a EuroLeague championship, a prize he has never won.

For Valančiūnas, the decision appears to be about lifestyle and family, not money. But with his NBA contract in place, the choice might not be his to make.

What Happens Next? The Power Struggle Between Player and Team

Right now, the Nuggets hold all the leverage. Valančiūnas is under contract, and Denver has no obligation to release him. If he were to refuse to play, he could face fines and suspension. At the same time, forcing an unhappy player to stay could create chemistry issues in the locker room.

For a team with championship aspirations, this standoff is the last thing they need heading into training camp.

What Are Denver’s Backup Plans?

If Valančiūnas leaves, Denver will need to act quickly. The free-agent market for centers is thin, and many teams have already locked up serviceable big men.

Potential fallback options include:

Dwight Powell, a veteran energy big still available.

Bismack Biyombo, a defensive specialist who could play 12–15 minutes a night.

Free agent big men from Europe, though they likely won’t match Valančiūnas’ skill set.

The Nuggets could also explore G League call-ups or look for an in-season trade if Valančiūnas forces his way out.

The Stakes for Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets’ Championship Window

The clock is ticking for Denver. At 30 years old, Nikola Jokić is still in his prime, but the window for championship contention is never guaranteed in the NBA.

The Western Conference is stacked with talent, from the Minnesota Timberwolves and Dallas Mavericks, to reloaded teams like the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Without a reliable backup, Denver risks burning out Jokić over the grueling 82-game season, potentially diminishing his effectiveness come playoff time.

Will Valančiūnas Stay or Go?

Despite Valančiūnas’ desire to return to Europe, the situation remains fluid. Denver has every legal right to enforce his contract, but locker room dynamics and player satisfaction could influence the outcome.

The most likely scenario, according to insiders, is that Valančiūnas plays out at least one year in Denver before possibly revisiting his European ambitions next offseason.

Conclusion: A Risky Gamble That Denver Can’t Afford to Lose

The Nuggets’ acquisition of Jonas Valančiūnas was supposed to be the steadying move that preserved their championship core around Nikola Jokić. Now, it threatens to become one of the biggest question marks of the offseason.

If Denver can convince Valančiūnas to stay and embrace his role, they’ll enter the 2025–26 season as one of the most complete teams in the NBA. If they lose him, the Nuggets’ title hopes could hinge once again on the health and stamina of their MVP center.

For now, all eyes are on Denver’s front office—and Jonas Valančiūnas’ next move.