Overview
- The Denver Nuggets have reportedly placed veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas on waivers, making his contract available for a 48-hour claim by other NBA teams.
- If no team claims him during the waiver window, Valančiūnas will become an unrestricted free agent and can negotiate a new deal without teams having to give up players or draft picks.
- Valančiūnas averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 65 games last season while serving as Nikola Jokić’s backup, preserving his profile as an experienced interior scorer and rebounder.
- The New York Knicks are a documented potential suitor because they monitored him earlier in the offseason and president Leon Rose previously represented Valančiūnas, which could speed contact if he clears waivers.
- A reported guaranteed offer from Žalgiris Kaunas in Lithuania remains a clear alternative to the NBA market, so the key near-term developments to watch are any waiver claims and whether Valančiūnas opts for a European return or an NBA depth role.