After more than a decade in the NBA, one of the best European centers, Jonas Valančijunas (34), is ready to return home! According to foreign media reports, the Lithuanian center and the Denver Nuggets will almost certainly part ways this summer, alarming top European clubs.

Although Valančijunas has a contract with the Nuggets for the upcoming season worth $10 million, the Colorado-based team has the option to buy him out for just $2 million, which currently seems the most likely scenario. Jonas, who joined Denver to support Nikola Jokić, now seeks stability for the final chapter of his career.

This transfer almost happened last year. Valančijunas had a preliminary agreement with Panathinaikos, even undergoing medical checks in Athens, but the Nuggets decided to keep him. This summer, there's no obstacle in his way.

Here are the five clubs being mentioned as the most serious destinations for the Lithuanian "beast":

1. Panathinaikos: The Greek giants are still looking for the right support for Matjus Lesar. Last year, they offered him €10 million over three seasons, and money has never been a problem for owner Janakopulos.

2. Žalgiris: An emotional return home. Media reports suggest that the Kaunas team's management has already sent an official offer for two years. Valančijunas would be the absolute leader of the team and a national hero.

3. Real Madrid: The "Royal Club" is dealing with injuries to Edy Tavares and Aleks Len. Valančijunas would be an ideal fit, and in Madrid, he would be greeted by compatriot Martinas Pocius, who is in the club's management.

4. Fenerbahçe: Šarūnas Jasikevičius is looking for a dominant figure at the center. The Lithuanian connection could be decisive, especially as Fener is planning a significant reconstruction of its low post game at the end of the season.

5. Olimpia Milano: The Italians are left without Josh Navi, who is heading to Barcelona. Milano has the financial power to match NBA offers, and the city is exceptionally attractive to players in their later years.

Valančijunas has been in the NBA since 2012, playing for Toronto, Memphis, New Orleans, and Denver. He is known as one of the best jumpers in the league and a "classic" center who dominates in low-post play, which could make a significant difference in European basketball.

(Telegraf.rs)