Defense sealed Jonas Valanciunas’ Nuggets exit

The Denver Nuggets’ decision to waive Jonas Valanciunas before his $10 million salary became fully guaranteed was driven by basketball reasons rather than financial concerns, according to Sean Keeler of the Denver Post.

Keeler argues that Denver ultimately determined the veteran center’s defensive limitations outweighed his offensive production, making it difficult to justify keeping him on the roster.

The report also points to Valanciunas’ poor net ratings against top Western Conference contenders, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, and Minnesota Timberwolves, suggesting those performances played a role in the team’s decision.

Valanciunas has played 14 seasons for 6 teams, including the Raptors and Pelicans. He has averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds in 1,002 regular-season games.

Nuggets Notes: Braun, Bamba, Brazile, Valanciunas https://t.co/lPTG1qA0kA

— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) July 13, 2026