Valančiūnas officially joins Žalgiris Kaunas

Lithuanian basketball legend Jonas Valančiūnas has officially become a player for Kaunas-based club Žalgiris. The 34-year-old center signed a two-year deal with the Lithuanian team, marking his return to Europe after a long career in the National Basketball Association (NBA).

Valančiūnas had one year left on his contract with the Denver Nuggets, but the team released him in July. Last season, the Lithuanian averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 13 minutes per game over 65 regular-season appearances.

Valančiūnas spent 14 seasons in the NBA, playing for the Denver Nuggets, Sacramento Kings, Washington Wizards, New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and Toronto Raptors. He was selected fifth overall in the 2011 NBA Draft and made his league debut in 2012. Before his NBA career, he played in the Vilnius Rytas system, including the senior team.

Last season, Žalgiris reached the EuroLeague quarterfinals and won the Lithuanian Basketball League (LKL) championship. Valančiūnas’ arrival is expected to significantly strengthen the Kaunas squad for the upcoming season.