Valančiūnas to Panathinaikos OFF as Greek side target new center

Ifeanyi Ufomadu 17:30 - 02 August 2025

Denver Nuggets' unwillingness to part with Jonas Valančiūnas has forced Panathinaikos to explore other options.

According to Eurohoops, Panathinaikos are interested in signing free agent center Richaun Holmes, formerly of the Washington Wizards after being told there is no chance of landing Valanciunas.

The veteran center is still awaiting an NBA offer, but time is running out. If nothing materializes, Holmes will likely join the Greek powerhouse.

Denver has informed Jonas Valanciunas' reps that the franchise fully intends to have him honor his contract as the Nuggets view Valanciunas as a critical center addition to back up Nikola Jokic and play alongside him. Greek team Panathinaikos pursued Valanciunas in recent days. https://t.co/a6SGnWFeLh
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 6, 2025

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While Ergin Ataman's squad is well-stocked with big men (Mathias Lessort, Juancho Hernangomez, Cedi Osman, Nikos Rogavopoulos, Dinos Mitoglou, etc.), they appear to be lacking a true physical presence in the paint.

Holmes would certainly provide that. He has played 489 NBA games, averaging 8.5 points and 5.3 rebounds. His last team was the Wizards, with previous stints in Dallas, Sacramento, Phoenix, and Philadelphia.