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Nuggets waive Jonas Valanciunas, potential interest from NBA and Europe

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 9, 2026, 2:43 PM

Last updated Jul 9, 2026

Nuggets waive Jonas Valanciunas, potential interest from NBA and Europe

Summary

The Denver Nuggets waived center Jonas Valanciunas on July 8, parting ways with the veteran despite a year remaining on his $30.2 million contract. Valanciunas was not guaranteed to receive his full salary for the upcoming season, prompting the move to save $8 million. He averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in the 2025-2026 season with the Nuggets and saw limited playoff action. Valanciunas may explore opportunities outside the NBA, including a two-year offer from Zalgiris in Lithuania, while also expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams.

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What We Know

•Jonas Valanciunas averages 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds for the Nuggets last season.
•Nuggets waived Valanciunas to save $8 million before the deadline.
•Valanciunas has a two-year offer from Zalgiris in Lithuania.
•NBA teams are expected to show interest in Valanciunas as a free agent.

Latest Updates

2:43 PMYahoo Sports — Ex-Nuggets Big Man Linked To Team Outside Of NBA

What they're saying

"
The Denver Nuggets made the expected decision to cut ties with the veteran center, Jonas Valanciunas, on Wednesday, July 8. Despite having another year left on his original $30.2 million contract, Valanciunas wasn’t guaranteed to make his full $10 million for the 2026-2027 NBA season. The Nuggets had until July 9 to decide if they […] The post Ex-Nuggets Big Man Linked To Team Outside Of NBA appeared first on HEAVY.
— Yahoo Sports

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External links

Yahoo SportsJul 9, 2026, 2:43 PM
Ex-Nuggets Big Man Linked To Team Outside Of NBA
The Denver Nuggets made the expected decision to cut ties with the veteran center, Jonas Valanciunas, on Wednesday, July 8. Despite having another year left on his original $30.2 million contract, Valanciunas wasn’t guaranteed to make his full $10 million for the 2026-2027 NBA season. The Nuggets had until July 9 to decide if they […] The post Ex-Nuggets Big Man Linked To Team Outside Of NBA appeared first on HEAVY.

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