Giannis Valančiūnas signs with Lithuanian EuroLeague club Žalgiris

Greek center Giannis Valančiūnas, 34, ends a 14‑year NBA stint and joins Lithuanian team Žalgiris for the upcoming EuroLeague season. The move marks his return to European basketball, his last appearance there being with Rytas Vilnius in 2011‑12.

Valančiūnas said the decision was driven by the club’s atmosphere, passionate fans and the ambition to compete for titles. He praised head coach Tomas Masiulis and noted Žalgiris finished fifth in the EuroLeague last season. The veteran expects a demanding year and aims to help the team reach higher achievements.