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Valančiūnas joins Žalgiris from the Denver Nuggets, where he played alongside Nikola Jokić last season. Throughout his career in the world's premier basketball league, he also donned the jerseys of the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, and Sacramento Kings.
The Lithuanian big man spent over a decade in the NBA, averaging 12.8 points and nine rebounds per game. He was selected as the fifth overall pick in the 2011 draft. Žalgiris president Paulius Jankūnas did not hide his satisfaction with the completed transfer.
"We are extremely happy that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Žalgiris. From our very first conversations, I heard him repeatedly express his desire to come back to Lithuania, play in Žalgirio Arena, experience that incredible atmosphere, and win. We had many discussions, but I always sensed that strong desire from him." - Paulius Jankūnas
Jankūnas revealed that negotiations were not straightforward due to Valančiūnas's contractual obligations in the NBA.
"We all know that Jonas Valančiūnas is one of the best Lithuanian basketball players and a true patriot who always plays with great passion and dedication to his team. The negotiations were lengthy because Jonas still had a contract with the Denver Nuggets, and there was a specific deadline to determine whether he would remain in Denver or be traded elsewhere. In the end, everything fell into place, and our patience paid off, as Jonas is now a member of Žalgiris Kaunas."
BONUS VIDEO: Jokić records a triple-double against Bosnia and Herzegovina, then rushes to embrace his children!
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