Jonas Valanciunas Addresses His Future With the Denver Nuggets Following Recent Gossip

Jonas Valančiūnas was traded to the Denver Nuggets this offseason, and while most would relish the opportunity to play behind Nikola Jokić in the modern NBA, he appeared destined to leave the league for Greece. Recently, GM Ben Tenzer noted that he's had discussions with the veteran center, and by all accounts, it appears he'll be with the team next season, foregoing the opportunity to play in Greece to chase an NBA title.

Now, Valančiūnas has opened up on the entire situation, and while he still expressed his desire to play close to home in Greece, he notes that he'll pursue that one day, and instead will be fully committed to playing for Denver next season.

"I want to clear the air about my playing situation next season now that Denver has made their decision to keep me. The idea of playing for Panathinaikos, closer to home, was very exciting to me, but that will have to wait. I am fully committed to honoring my contract with the Nuggets this season and will give it my all to compete for a championship."

This is fantastic news for the Nuggets, a team that has been seeking an upgrade at the backup center spot for a number of years now, and in the physical Valančiūnas, they've got someone who can play the role perfectly behind Jokić.

One day, it's likely that we'll see him in the intense, amazing atmosphere of the EuroLeague, and when that time comes, he'll no doubt be fulfilled, but with the Nuggets loading up this summer, he's the perfect player in his role for this team to pursue a championship.