Jonas Valanciunas signs with Zalgiris Kaunas after leaving NBA
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 17, 2026, 5:12 AM
Last updated Jul 17, 2026
Jonas Valanciunas, previously with the Denver Nuggets, has signed with Zalgiris Kaunas after being waived on July 8. Despite interest from the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, Valanciunas chose to return to Lithuania, citing the strong basketball culture and Zalgiris' recent developments as significant factors in his decision. He spoke on Zalgiris TV about his journey back to European basketball. Valanciunas enjoyed a lengthy NBA career with averages of 12.8 points, 9.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists across 1,002 games. Meanwhile, the Nuggets have signed Marvin Bagley III as a replacement for Valanciunas, giving him a chance to compete for minutes in a new role within the team.
- •Valanciunas signed with Zalgiris Kaunas after leaving the NBA
- •He was waived by the Denver Nuggets on July 8
- •The Lakers and Knicks showed interest but were not pursued
- •Valanciunas highlights Lithuanian basketball's appeal
- •Denver Nuggets signed Marvin Bagley III as his replacement
- 5:12 AMYahoo Sports — Former Denver Nuggets Center Breaks Silence After Leaving The NBA
"The Denver Nuggets waived center Jonas Valanciunas on July 8, and he wasn’t claimed by any team.Valanciunas had interest from teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks, but he decided to leave the NBA. He returned to his native Lithuania and signed with Zalgiris Kaunas.Speaking on Zalgiris TV, Valanciunas broke his silence […] The post Former Denver Nuggets Center Breaks Silence After Leaving The NBA appeared first on HEAVY.
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