​BasketNews-exclusive: NBA insider Jake Fischer reports that the Denver Nuggets are actively pursuing a fresh big-man addition this offseason in the wake of Jonas Valanciunas’ departure. Fischer spoke with Bleacher Report, noting that Denver clearly needs depth at the center position after parting ways with Valanciunas. “Denver is in need of another potential backup center after losing Jonas Valanciunas,” Fischer stated. He pointed out that the decision to waive Valanciunas came from the Nuggets themselves, and the veteran center has since officially signed with a team in Lithuania, marking a new chapter in his career.
Fischer added that Denver did bring in Marvin Bagley to bolster the frontcourt as a different kind of backup center, hoping Bagley’s versatility would provide value in limited minutes. Yet, he emphasized that Denver’s frontcourt depth remains a focal point for team management as they map out options for the interior slots. While Bagley offers athleticism and the ability to stretch the floor at times, the Nuggets are reportedly still weighing options to secure a more traditional or alternative backup center who can anchor the second unit and absorb physicality in the post.
The Rockets’ and Pistons’ and other teams’ offseason movements have influenced Denver’s approach, as the Nuggets seek to preserve their status as perennial contenders while managing minutes and wear on their core players. With a championship-contending roster, they understand the importance of a reliable depth chart in the frontcourt, especially given the physical toll of the regular season and the grind of the playoffs. The frontcourt question marks are not just about size; they’re also about fit, shooting, defense, and the ability to execute alongside Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon, and their other versatile pieces.
Valanciunas’ exit creates a tangible gap in this regard. The veteran big man has a track record of rebounding, rim protection, and scoring around the basket, which are valuable assets for a Nuggets team that prides itself on balance and floor spacing. While the Nuggets explored adding Bagley as a complementary piece, the search for a more established or stylistically compatible backup center continues to be a talking point among front-office circles. Fischer’s analysis underscores Denver’s intent to secure an option who can step in when Jokic sits and help maintain a competitive edge in the paint, both offensively and defensively.
The dynamic surrounding Denver’s frontcourt lineup also touches on broader strategic questions for the team this offseason. How the Nuggets manage minutes for Jokic and the rest of their core could influence the type of backup center they target—whether they pursue a veteran anchor who brings reliability and defense, a mobile big who can pace the second unit, or a floor-spacing big who can complement Jokic with shooting gravity. Each pathway has implications for defensive schemes, switchability, and late-game lineup versatility.
Beyond Valanciunas and Bagley, several other big men could enter the Nuggets’ radar as potential fits. The organization may assess players with a combination of rim protection, rebounding, and pick-and-roll dynamics that suit Jokic’s playmaking and the team’s offensive flow. The goal is to find someone who can seamlessly integrate into Denver’s system, maintain consistency, and contribute meaningful minutes in a high-stakes environment.
As teams navigate the 2024-25 offseason, the Nuggets remain in a competitive posture, evaluating internal options and external targets alike. The quest for a reliable backup center who can step in when needed is not just about filling a rotation spot—it’s about preserving the team’s championship window. Fischer’s reporting highlights that Denver’s leadership remains intentional about fine-tuning the roster to ensure depth, durability, and sustained success as they build toward another deep postseason run.
For Nuggets fans and NBA observers, the key takeaway is clear: Denver is actively pursuing an upgrade at the center position to complement a star-studded core and to mitigate the impact of Valanciunas’ departure. While Bagley provides some versatility off the bench, the organization’s plan appears to include continuing the search for a sturdy, dependable presence in the frontcourt who can help anchor the second unit and contribute to the team’s overall resilience this season. BasketNews will continue to monitor developments and bring updates as Denver evaluates options and pursues the right fit to solidify their frontcourt depth.