Valanciunas “Transfer” Europe: Unexpected choice after the NBA trade

On July 4, an unexpected news attracted attention during the NBA offseason trading wave. The Kings reached a deal with the Nuggets, and the Kings sent Valancius to the Nuggets in exchange for Saric. But unexpectedly, Valanciunas intends to give up his NBA career and switch to the European arena, and has reached an oral agreement and is expected to arrive in Europe the next day.

Before the trading deadline of last season, Valanciunas moved from the Wizards to the Kings, playing 32 games for the Kings in the second half of the season, 9 of which started, and averaged 8.7 points and 7 rebounds per game. European media BasketNews revealed that he is about to join the Greek giant Panasinakos. Returning to Europe is tempting to him, and he may even seek a buyout contract to achieve his goal. Although the deal has not been officially announced and the Nuggets are fully urging him to stay, the current situation does not affect the swap deal between the Kings and the Nuggets.

U.S. media League Alerts reported that people familiar with the matter revealed that Valanciunas has verbally agreed to the invitation from Europe and is expected to arrive in Athens tomorrow morning, and is willing to give up the Nuggets' wages owed to leave the NBA. It is reported that Panasinacos offered him a three-year contract of 12 million euros. Compared with his existing NBA contract, he has $10.4 million in guaranteed salary in only 25-26 seasons, and $10 million in guaranteed salary in 26-27 seasons.

Valanciunas played for too many teams in the NBA, including the Raptors, Grizzlies, Pelicans, Wizards and Kings. This time he resolutely chose to go to Europe, perhaps out of his desire for new challenges, or the attractiveness of European teams' generous contracts and hometown feelings. This decision not only changed his personal career trajectory, but also added drama to the NBA deal. What do you think of Valanciunas’ decision? Welcome to share insights in the comment section.