Nuggets waive veteran center Jonas Valanciunas

The Denver Nuggets waived veteran center Jonas Valanciunas on Wednesday, making the 14-year NBA veteran an unrestricted free agent. The move came before a deadline that would have fully guaranteed his $10 million salary for the 2026-27 season.

League sources confirmed the decision, which leaves the Nuggets owing Valanciunas $2 million for the upcoming season. The team now has until August 29 to decide whether to keep that full amount on their books or use the stretch provision to spread the cap hit over three seasons, reducing the immediate charge to approximately $667,000. The Nuggets, operating near the tax apron, determined the $10 million figure was too costly for a backup role.

Valanciunas, 34, was acquired by Denver from the Sacramento Kings just last offseason. He served as the primary backup to three-time MVP Nikola Jokic, appearing in 65 games with six starts. In limited minutes, averaging 13.4 per game, he posted 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 58.2 percent from the field. His playing time diminished in the playoffs, where he logged only 25 total minutes across four first-round outings.

The Lithuanian center's release immediately sparked speculation about his...