The Denver Nuggets are waiving veteran center Jonas Valanciunas, according to ESPN insider Shams Charania, immediately making him one of the top free agents on the market. The Los Angeles Lakers, New York Knicks, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Clippers and Toronto Raptors could all emerge as potential landing spots for the veteran center.
Valančiūnas averaged 8.7 points per game and 5.1 rebounds per game in just 13.4 minutes per game this past season. He could be a really intriguing low-cost veteran addition for any team, bringing size, rebounding, and experience to the frontcourt.
Following Valančiūnas’ release, the Lakers are reportedly among the teams interested. There is believed to be mutual interest, though nothing is imminent at this time; it’s a situation worth monitoring. They are looking to secure another big man.
Los Angeles has Walker Kessler and Kevon Looney, which likely eliminates them from a Valanciunas pursuit. Stranger things have happened, though. Their top three backup center targets were Andre Drummond, Looney, and Valanciunas, and they could end up with two of the three. The Lakers’ hypothetical starting lineup could be Luka Doncic, Austin Reaves, Quentin Grimes, Sandro Mamukelashvili, and Kessler.
If Valančiūnas does not go overseas to Zalgiris Kaunas, the Knicks have a great chance of signing him. Basketball Operations Leon Rose has been interested in bringing in Valančiūnas for a while. With New York reportedly looking to add another center to the team, this looks like the Knicks’ next move.
Josh Hart and Valančiūnas were teammates on the New Orleans Pelicans during the 2021-22 season. The only thing that could change that is if New York pulls off a trade for another center. The Knicks’ starting lineup would still be Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Karl Anthony Towns.
The Clippers targeting Valančiūnas should not be a question but looked at as a blessing for their organization. They will get a starting-caliber center for nothing.
Valančiūnas showed not only that he should be starting but also that he is one of the better big men still in the league when Nikola Jokic was injured. Valančiūnas would back up Brook Lopez. The Clippers’ hypothetical starting lineup could be Darius Garland, Keaton Wagler, Brandon Ingram, Rui Hachimura, and Lopez.
Valančiūnas would be a significant addition and a great fit for the 76ers. He is much better than Adem Bona and Ariel Hukporti, but they will not be able to afford him.
Philadelphia can project that Jonas will probably be the starter for most of the year despite being a bench player because Joel Embiid is never healthy. The 76ers’ hypothetical starting lineup would be Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, Dean Wade, and Embiid.
Valanciunas would be a good pickup for the Heat. They have zero big men except Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bam Adebayo. Miami has to hope on Nikola Jovic and Bobby Portis, and neither of them is a true center. Their hypothetical starting lineup could be Davion Mitchell, Tim Hardaway Jr., Andrew Wiggins, Adebayo, and Antetokounmpo.
The Raptors need to offer Valančiūnas a contract. Toronto brought back Kawhi Leonard and Kyle Lowry (for a day), and there are rumors around a DeMar DeRozan return. At this point, they might as well bring Valančiūnas back. He was selected fifth overall by them in 2011 and spent the first seven seasons of his career in Toronto. Their hypothetical starting lineup would be Immanuel Quickley, RJ Barrett, Kawhi Leonard, Scottie Barnes, and Jonas.
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Valančiūnas had a fully guaranteed $10 million decision yesterday, according to Senior NBA HoopsHype Insider Michael Scotto. Denver will now owe Valanciunas $2 million for the 2026-27 season. He’s averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 14 NBA seasons.
With Valančiūnas now entering free agency, the Lakers, Knicks, Heat, Clippers, Raptors and 76ers are expected to monitor the veteran center closely. Whether he remains in the NBA or ultimately joins Zalgiris Kaunas, Valančiūnas is likely to be one of the most sought-after veteran big men available this offseason.
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