Selected 5th overall in the 2011 NBA draft, J. Valančiūnas began his career across the Atlantic with the Toronto Raptors, where he played until the middle of the 2018–2019 season, when he was traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.
After spending two full seasons in Tennessee, from the 2021–2022 season the big man donned the New Orleans Pelicans jersey, and started the 2024–2025 season with the Washington Wizards, but finished it representing the Sacramento Kings alongside Domantas Sabonis.
Finally, J. Valančiūnas spent his last years in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets, with whom he advanced to the first round of the playoffs.
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Throughout his career across the Atlantic, J. Valančiūnas averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds.
“It’s very exciting that Jonas is returning to Lithuania and joining Kaunas Žalgiris. From the very first conversations, I heard many times from him that he wants to return to Lithuania and play in the Žalgiris arena and feel that wonderful atmosphere, achieving victories. There were many talks, but I felt that desire all the time. We know very well who Jonas Valančiūnas is – one of the best Lithuanian basketball players, a patriot who always plays with great desire and dedication to the team. The negotiations were long because Jonas had a contract with the Nuggets, which had a date by which it had to be clear whether he would stay in Denver or be traded to another team. In the end, everything fell into place and that wait paid off for us because Jonas is with Kaunas Žalgiris,” said P. Jankūnas.
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