Denver Nuggets Kleiza was selected by the
Portland Trail Blazers with the 27th pick of the
2005 NBA draft. The Trail Blazers then dealt his draft rights, along with
Ricky Sanchez to the
Denver Nuggets in exchange for
Jarrett Jack. Kleiza was seldom used in his rookie season. He averaged 3.5 points and 8.5 minutes per game. He improved on his three-point shooting in his sophomore year, making 83–221, after only making two three-pointers in his rookie year. He also saw some more time on the court and averaged 7.6 points on 42 percent shooting in 18.8 minutes per game. After the season, Denver picked up their team option on his contract for another season. Kleiza became a big part of Denver's rotation in the
2007–08 season, mostly backing up Denver's starting
small forward Carmelo Anthony. However, he was involved in a lot of trade talks, most notably a trade involving
Ron Artest of the
Sacramento Kings. On January 17, 2008, Kleiza scored a career high 41 points against the
Utah Jazz. His scoring average was up to 11.1 points per game and his shooting percentage was up to 47 percent. Many expected Kleiza to make a similar leap in production in his fourth year in the league. However, most of his season averages were slightly off from the 2007–08 season. He averaged 9.9 points on 45 percent shooting. His minutes dwindled down in the playoffs. The Nuggets' head coach
George Karl, said Kleiza played fewer minutes because he is not a playmaker.
Olympiacos On August 10, 2009, Kleiza agreed to a two-year, $12.2 million (
€8.6 million euros)
gross income contract with the
Greek League team
Olympiacos. He averaged 17.2 points per game and grabbed 6.4 rebounds per game in the
EuroLeague, reaching the
EuroLeague Finals with the Reds. Kleiza led the league in scoring, thus winning the
Alphonso Ford EuroLeague Top Scorer Trophy, becoming the first Lithuanian to do so. In December 2009, Kleiza was selected the
Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year (2009) for the first time.
Toronto Raptors On July 7, 2010, Kleiza terminated his contract with Olympiacos. He was signed by the
Toronto Raptors to a four-year, $20 million
gross income offer sheet. In December 2010, Kleiza was selected for the second time the Lithuanian Basketball Player of the Year (2010). In January 2011, he suffered a serious
meniscal tear in his right knee and was out for the remainder of the
2010–11 season. On February 1, 2011, Kleiza underwent
arthroscopic surgery. Kleiza returned to court on January 11, 2012, in a game against the
Sacramento Kings. In 14 minutes of game action, he scored 10 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and dished out an assist. On July 16, 2013, the Raptors used the amnesty clause to waive Kleiza.
Fenerbahçe Ülker On July 26, 2013, Kleiza signed a two-year contract with
Fenerbahçe. On July 1, 2014, he officially parted ways with Fenerbahçe.
Olimpia Milano On July 21, 2014, Kleiza signed a one-year deal with the Italian team
Olimpia Milano. After the season he withdrew from professionally playing basketball for unlimited period of time due to knee problems, but did not announce his retirement from the sport. ==National team career==