Jonas Valančiūnas Confirmed to Play for Denver Nuggets Despite European Interest

Veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas is 'absolutely' expected to play for the Denver Nuggets this season, despite reported interest from Greek powerhouse club Panathinaikos. The Nuggets, who officially acquired Valančiūnas from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric, confirmed they will not release him from his two-year, $20 million NBA contract, even though the European club was prepared to offer a more lucrative deal. Nuggets executive Ben Tenzer stated the team was never worried about Valančiūnas not honoring his contract, as he is under NBA contract. Valančiūnas, who also played for the Washington Wizards, is anticipated to anchor Denver's second unit behind Nikola Jokić as the team pursues another championship.