Lithuanian star Valančiūnas returns home, signs with Žalgiris

Lithuanian basketball star Jonas Valančiūnas is returning to his homeland, having signed a two-season contract with Kaunas Žalgiris. The 34-year-old was released by the Denver Nuggets in July despite having one year left on his NBA contract.

Last NBA season, Valančiūnas averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game across 65 appearances. He spent 14 seasons in the league, playing for six teams: Denver, Sacramento, Washington, New Orleans, Memphis, and Toronto.

Valančiūnas was selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA draft and made his debut in 2012. Before moving overseas, he played in the Vilnius Rytas system, including its senior team.

Žalgiris failed to advance past the EuroLeague quarterfinals last season but won the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) championship.