​With only $2 million of Jonas Valanciunas’ $10 million salary for next season guaranteed, it has long been clear that a change was coming as the Nuggets pursue cost-saving moves while they chart their plans around Peyton Watson. The Denver Nuggets have officially waived Valanciunas, a development first reported by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Last season, Valanciunas served as Nikola Jokic’s reliable backup in Denver, delivering steady production with averages of 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game while shooting an efficient 58.2% from the field. The team wasted little time in addressing the backup center spot, ultimately opting to sign Marvin Bagley III to fill that role for the upcoming season.
Valanciunas, a longtime NBA veteran with 14 seasons under his belt, has been a durable presence at the five throughout his career. In Denver, his impact went beyond the stat sheet, as he provided a veteran footprint and a different stylistic approach off the bench to complement Jokic. However, the Nuggets have shown a willingness to recalibrate their roster to optimize cap space and flexibility as they navigate the next steps in their championship pursuit. The decision to waive Valanciunas aligns with this broader strategy, creating an opportunity to allocate resources toward younger players and strategic acquisitions that fit their long-term plan around Watson and the evolving roster.
Bagley’s arrival to step into the backup center role signals a shift in the Nuggets’ approach. The former top overall pick brings a combination of size, athleticism, and offensive versatility that the team hopes will translate into a productive depth option behind Jokic. Bagley has previously demonstrated the ability to contribute as a scoring presence and rim runner, which could mesh well with Denver’s pace-and-space style and Jokic’s exceptional playmaking. If Bagley can reclaim some of the form that made him a prized prospect, he could provide a valuable spark off the bench and help maintain the Nuggets’ offensive efficiency when Jokic is off the floor.
The move to part ways with Valanciunas also raises questions about Valanciunas’ next destination. At 12 years and counting in the NBA, the veteran big man has a wealth of experience and a proven track record of being a dependable inside presence. While the Nuggets’ decision was rooted in cap considerations and roster construction, Valanciunas himself remains a sought-after asset who could contribute meaningfully to a number of contenders or teams looking for a veteran influence and reliable interior scoring. As Valanciunas contemplates his next chapter, European basketball could present appealing options. There were whispers last season that he was exploring a buyout with Denver to join Panathinaikos in Greece, though Denver prioritized keeping him in the rotation and did not entertain a move at that time. The possibility of a return to Europe, in particular for a club like Panathinaikos or other prominent teams, remains part of the ongoing dialogue around his future.
Meanwhile, there are reports of interest from European clubs beyond Greece. Lithuanian powerhouse Zalgiris Kaunas has been linked as a potential destination for Valanciunas, according to Donatas Urbonas of BasketNews.com. Such interest underscores Valanciunas’ appeal on the international stage, where his size, skill set, and experience would be valuable assets for teams seeking a veteran presence and a proven scoring option near the basket. The door remains open for Valanciunas to explore opportunities abroad, should he decide a change of scenery is right for him at this stage of his career.
For Denver, the focus now shifts to how Bagley fits into the rotation and how the team capitalizes on its remaining cap space to address other needs. The Nuggets will be monitoring the health and development of Peyton Watson as they finalize their roster, balancing the desire to maximize their championship window with prudent financial planning. The Valanciunas decision, while difficult on a personal level for the player, aligns with Denver’s broader goal of creating a sustainable, flexible structure that can adapt as the league landscape evolves and as they continue to pursue another deep postseason run.
As the offseason unfolds, Valanciunas’ next move will be watched closely by fans and analysts alike. Whether he lands with a European club, returns to the NBA with another organization, or explores a different basketball pathway, his experience and leadership figure to make him a valuable addition wherever he continues his professional career. The Nuggets’ strategic cap management and the addition of Bagley suggest a calculated approach to balancing immediate on-court needs with long-term financial health, ensuring they remain competitive while maintaining flexibility for future moves. In the end, Valanciunas’ departure marks another chapter in the evolving story of the Nuggets’ roster construction and their ongoing pursuit of sustained success at the highest level.