The Denver Nuggets have waived Jonas Valanciunas, making the veteran center available to the rest of the NBA.
After weeks of speculation surrounding his future, the Nuggets have officially moved on from Jonas Valanciunas. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Denver waived the veteran center, meaning every NBA team now has the opportunity to claim his contract.
Jonas Valanciunas enters NBA waiver process
Valanciunas will remain on waivers for the next 48 hours. If no team submits a claim during that period, he will become an unrestricted free agent and will be free to complete his expected move to Zalgiris.
However, his return to Europe is not guaranteed just yet.
According to Shams Charania, several NBA teams are expected to show interest in the Lithuanian big man before the waiver period expires.
$10 million contract complicates NBA interest
Although multiple NBA teams are reportedly interested in Valanciunas, claiming him off waivers comes with a significant financial commitment.
Any franchise that submits a successful waiver claim would be required to take on Valanciunas’ full $10 million salary for the 2026–27 season, making the decision much more complicated than a standard free-agent signing.
Zalgiris waiting to complete Jonas Valanciunas signing
Zalgiris remains in position to complete one of the biggest EuroLeague transactions of the offseason.
The Lithuanian club has been waiting for the resolution of Valanciunas’ NBA situation, with the veteran center expected to return home if he clears waivers.
Should no NBA team claim his contract over the next 48 hours, Valanciunas is expected to officially join Zalgiris and bring an end to his 14-year NBA career.
After trading Deandre Ayton and securing Walker Kessler's signature, the Los Angeles Lakers are now turning their attention to finding a backup center. 👀
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) July 3, 2026
According to Shams Charania, Andre Drummond, Jonas Valanciunas and Kevon Looney are among the names being considered. ✍️ pic.twitter.com/hE4x8SXgCz
Panathinaikos previously targeted the Lithuanian center
This is not the first time Valanciunas has been linked with a EuroLeague return.
Last offseason, Panathinaikos made a serious attempt to sign the Lithuanian center, with both sides showing strong mutual interest.
However, the Denver Nuggets wanted to keep Valanciunas after acquiring him and made it clear that the veteran center was expected to honor his NBA contract. As a result, the move to Greece never materialized, and Valanciunas remained in the NBA.
