Photo: fiba.basketball

Zalgiris Kaunas has officially announced the signing of veteran Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas, bringing the former NBA standout back to his home country after 14 seasons in the league.

The 34-year-old has agreed to a two-year contract that will keep him with the EuroLeague club through the end of the 2027-28 season.

The fifth overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft, Valanciunas spent his NBA career with the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and most recently the Denver Nuggets. Across 14 seasons, he averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game.

Zalgiris president Paulius Jankunas said the club always believed Valanciunas wanted to return to Lithuania despite the lengthy negotiations.

“We are very happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Zalgiris Kaunas. From our very first conversations, I heard him repeatedly say that he wanted to come back to Lithuania, play in the Zalgirio Arena, experience that incredible atmosphere, and win games. We had many discussions, but I always felt that desire. We all know that Jonas Valanciunas is one of the best Lithuanian basketball players and a true patriot who always plays with great passion and dedication to his team.”

Jankunas also explained why the transfer took time to complete.

“The negotiations were lengthy because Jonas still had a contract with the Denver Nuggets, and there was a date by which it had to be determined whether he would remain in Denver or be traded elsewhere. In the end, everything fell into place, and our patience paid off because Jonas is now a member of Kaunas Zalgiris,” said Jankunas.

OFFICIALLY OFFICIALhttps://t.co/Lwm78wY14A