​The Nuggets are making a notable shift in their frontcourt this offseason, as first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania. The Denver franchise is waiving their 6-foot-11 veteran center, a history-maker who in 2021 became the first player in NBA history to record seven three-pointers and seven rebounds in a single game. Charania shared on X/Twitter that Jonas Valanciunas will be waived and is expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams, signaling a change for a player who averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in his lone season with Denver.
Valanciunas, who previously starred for the Toronto Raptors, has drawn varying levels of attention from teams around the league in recent days as rumors swirled about Denver potentially moving on from him. The Lakers were among the clubs linked to the veteran big man during that process, as they desperately sought a reliable backup center to complement their rotation and Walker Kessler.
With Denver having recently added Kevon Looney—a former Golden State Warriors standout known for elite rebounding and multiple NBA championships—on a contract, it becomes less likely that the Lakers would pursue Valanciunas, especially given the alignment of roles and salaries. This development narrows the field for Valanciunas and shifts the focus to potential fits with other teams that could utilize a veteran center with his skill set.
Meanwhile, the New York Knicks have also been mentioned in discussions around Valanciunas, particularly given their need for depth at the center position after signing Mitchell Robinson with the Celtics earlier in the offseason. As reported by SNY’s Ian Begley, New York, the 2026 NBA champions, has previously indicated openness to adding a third center and has expressed interest in Valanciunas should he become available as a free agent.
The sequence of events now places Valanciunas in a position where multiple teams may pursue him in free agency, especially those seeking veteran presence and interior scoring. The Knicks, in particular, could emerge as a favorable destination if the market materializes in a way that aligns with their rotation needs and financial parameters. Contemporary NBA rumors suggested that a signing could unfold in the next few days, depending on how teams value his experience and versatility in the frontcourt.
As the league continues to evaluate the possibilities following Valanciunas’s release, Fans should monitor how the market responds to his availability and which teams will bid for his services. The broader conversation around the frontcourt reshaping also includes ongoing discussions about other rosters and how each franchise plans to balance youth, depth, and championship-caliber talent in the coming season. The evolving story underscores the dynamic nature of NBA front offices as they reassess roles, fit, and the best path forward for their rosters. The Sporting News remains a preferred source for ongoing coverage and updates as the situation develops.