Lithuanian basketball star Jonas Valančiūnas has become an unrestricted free agent after the Denver Nuggets decided to waive the veteran center. The news was first reported by ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, citing league sources.
In a post on X, Charania wrote: “The Denver Nuggets are waiving veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas. Valančiūnas is expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams.”
The 34-year-old averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 65 games for Denver last season, playing 13.4 minutes per game as Nikola Jokić’s primary backup at center.
The Nuggets made the move before Valančiūnas’ $10 million salary for the 2026–27 season became fully guaranteed. As a result, the franchise will owe him only the guaranteed portion of approximately $2 million, creating additional salary cap flexibility.
Valančiūnas’ future has been one of the most closely watched storylines of the NBA offseason. Although recent reports linked him with a possible return to Europe to join Lithuanian powerhouse Žalgiris Kaunas, Charania’s report indicates that the veteran remains in demand across the NBA, with several teams expected to pursue him.
According to U.S. media reports, the New York Knicks are among the teams that could emerge as potential suitors as they continue searching for an experienced backup center. The connection is strengthened by the fact that Knicks president Leon Rose previously represented Valančiūnas as his agent.
Valančiūnas has played 14 NBA seasons, representing the Toronto Raptors, Memphis Grizzlies, New Orleans Pelicans, Washington Wizards, Sacramento Kings, and Denver Nuggets. During his career, he has appeared in more than 1,000 regular-season games, establishing himself as one of the league’s most reliable veteran centers.
