Nuggets waive Jonas Valanciunas, making him a free agent
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 1:57 AM
Last updated Jul 9, 2026
The Denver Nuggets have waived center Jonas Valanciunas, allowing the team to save on salary costs. Valanciunas, whose $10 million contract had $2 million guaranteed for the next season, averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in his role as Nikola Jokic's backup last season. Denver has signed Marvin Bagley III to take over that position. There is speculation about Valanciunas potentially playing overseas, with reported interest from Greek and Lithuanian teams.
- •Nuggets waive center Jonas Valanciunas on July 8, 2026.
- •He averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds last season.
- •Valanciunas had a $10 million contract with $2 million guaranteed.
- •Marvin Bagley III is signed to replace him in Denver.
- •Interest exists from European teams for Valanciunas' services.
- 1:57 AMYahoo Sports — Nuggets waive center Jonas Valanciunas, making him a free agent
"The veteran big man becomes the best backup big still on the market.
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