The Denver Nuggets are advancing with their anticipated trade for Jonas Valančiūnas despite a tempting offer from Greek team Panathinaikos. They aim to maintain his contract, as reported by Marc Stein, in light of Valančiūnas’s interest in a European career. The Nuggets have recently traded Dario Sarić to the Sacramento Kings to acquire Valančiūnas, who will serve as a backup to Nikola Jokić, the NBA’s three-time MVP.

Valančiūnas, 33, from Lithuania, is considering a return to Europe but needs a buyout to proceed. The Nuggets intend to retain him under the conditions of the agreement they have secured, which includes two years at an estimated $20 million - $10.3 million this upcoming season and $10 million the following year. Meanwhile, Panathinaikos has reportedly offered Valančiūnas a more attractive deal over three years worth approximately $36 million.

If he opts to play abroad, it would mark the first time since joining the Toronto Raptors in 2012 that Valančiūnas will not be playing in the NBA. He was drafted by the Raptors with the No. 5 overall pick and had an impressive run, averaging ten points and nearly eight rebounds last season. This retention strategy saves the Nuggets from needing to search within the free agent marketplace, where Al Horford has been linked with teams like the Golden State Warriors.