By all appearances, Jonas Valančiūnas flirted with the idea of taking his talents overseas as reports circulated that the 32-year-old Lithuanian big man was considering a jump to Greece, potentially to reunite with familiar Euro League competition or chase comfort in a more familiar playing style. Unfortunately for Greece basketball fans who believed Jonas would be able to bring his talents to Athens the truth is Jonas Valančiūnas has no real leverage to walk away from the Denver Nuggets and the NBA. As for now and at least the 2024-25 season, lies in Denver — whether he likes it or not.

Denver Is the Destination, Not the Detour

When the Nuggets acquired Valančiūnas this offseason, it was a calculated move. During Denver’s playoff run it was very apparent the Nuggets have the starting five to complete with anybody, but the wear and tear on Nikola Jokić greatly impacted the Nuggets ability to get past the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver is needing a reliable backup. Denver saw Valančiūnas as an ideal fit to play non Jokic minutes and potentially with the three time MVP in certain match-ups. A veteran with size, rebounding, and soft touch around the rim, Jonas brings playoff experience and a gritty interior presence, which is why the Nuggets are not budging on any contract escape clauses.

Valančiūnas may not be thrilled to take on a reserve role or play in altitude for a team that already has an MVP center, or maybe he is, but his actions and silence have many questioning what his move may be but the reality is this is not his call. He signed the deal. The ink is dry.

No Buyout, No Escape Clause, No Leverage

There’s no clause in his contract that allows for a graceful Greek exit. He is under contract likely on a mid-level exception or sign-and-trade structure and Denver has every reason to keep him. Unless both parties agree to a buyout, and no such talks have been reported, he cannot simply pack up and head to Olympiacos or Panathinaikos. This isn’t the early 2000s. NBA franchises don’t let rotation-caliber big men walk for nothing, especially not contenders like Denver looking to extend their title window.

Even if Valančiūnas wanted out, what leverage does he have? Threaten retirement? Not likely, not with millions guaranteed. Hold out? That’s a PR disaster for a player nearing the twilight of his career and trying to maintain relevance in the league. He’s not a disgruntled star. He’s a role player, a very good one and the NBA is full of guys who would love his job.

Euro Temptation Is a Smokescreen

This Greece rumor isn’t coming from Denver’s front office or anyone in a decision-making chair. It’s noise. More than likely, it’s a soft pressure tactic floated by Jonas’ camp to signal frustration over fit or minutes, but that doesn’t matter because Denver holds all the cards and can call any bluffs. The Nuggets didn’t bring in Valančiūnas to humor him. They brought him in to help them win and he’s going to play.

Honestly, it won’t take long for Jonas to figure out this could work out better than he realizes. The Nuggets’ system thrives on intelligent bigs who can rebound, screen, and finish. Jokić-led teams elevate role players. If Valančiūnas embraces his role and sacrifices touches, he’ll be back in the Western Conference Finals, not toiling in Thessaloniki for a fraction of the salary and a lot less spotlight.

Final Word

In my opinion, Jonas Valančiūnas isn’t boarding a plane to Greece — he’s reporting to Ball Arena. This isn’t Europe’s moment to reclaim him. It’s Denver’s moment to maximize him.

Like it or not, the altitude is calling — and Valančiūnas is out of options.