Denver Nuggets Waive Jonas Valanciunas

Why the Move?

Denver announced they are releasing center Jonas Valanciunas before his $10 million guarantee takes effect. The decision follows reports from Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype and ESPN’s Shams Charania. Cutting him lets the Nuggets avoid a sizable financial commitment at a time when roster tweaks are common.

How He Arrived

Valanciunas joined the Nuggets last summer in a trade that brought him from the Sacramento Kings. Denver’s front office viewed the big man as a solid backup to three‑time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. The expectation was that he would provide depth in the frontcourt.

Why He Didn’t Stay

Despite those plans, Valanciunas slipped down the depth chart late in the season. He saw limited minutes as the Nuggets pushed toward the playoffs. The center also missed significant action during the first‑round series against the Minnesota Timberwolves, where Denver was eliminated.

What It Means Going Forward

Waiving a player before a guarantee is a routine way for teams to manage cap space and roster flexibility. The Nuggets can now explore other options at center or allocate the money elsewhere. The move underscores Denver’s focus on maintaining a deep rotation that contributed to their playoff run.