Jonas Valanciunas expected to receive interest in free agency

Jonas Valanciunas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Jonas Valanciunas expected to receive a lot of interest after Nuggets departure

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 8, 2026 5:37 PM ET

Could a potential Western Conference contender be setting the table for a splashy offseason acquisition? A roster decision on Wednesday certainly indicates that could be the case.

Denver is waiving Jonas Valanciunas

According to NBA insider Shams Charania, the Denver Nuggets have continued reshaping their roster, waiving veteran center Jonas Valanciunas in a move that opens another roster spot ahead of the 2026-27 season.

The decision ends the Valanciunas' tenure in Denver after just one season as the franchise looks to add depth and flexibility.

The Denver Nuggets are waiving veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, sources tell ESPN. Valanciunas is expected to receive interest from multiple NBA teams.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 8, 2026

How productive can the veteran still be?

Valanciunas averaged just 13.4 minutes per game last season, the lowest of his career. In his limited action, he posted a solid 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game.

Both were his lowest in quite some time, but trying to get on the floor consistently when your team has Nikola Jokic can be challenging, and Valanciunas suffered a bit from that.

Teams are expected to be interested

According to Charania, multiple teams are expected to be interested in Valanciunas as their backup center and a veteran presence in the locker room.

Valanciunas could be a valuable asset for young rosters like the Atlanta Hawks or Brooklyn Nets that could use a veteran presence on the court and in the locker room.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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