Jonas Valanciunas Sweepstakes: Where Will the Big Man Land Next?

By Edcel Panganiban July 17, 2025 09:12

Jonas Valančiūnas, the seasoned Lithuanian center, has become the subject of intense speculation in this summer’s NBA offseason, as teams scramble to secure his services following his recent trade to the Denver Nuggets. At 33 years old and with two years remaining on his current contract bearing a cap hit of $10.395 million for the 2025-26 season and a non-guaranteed $10 million scheduled for 2026-27 Valančiūnas represents a rare blend of veteran savvy and reliable interior play. The question on everyone’s lips: Where will the big man land next, and what implications will his presence have on his new squad?

Valančiūnas’ recent journey is notable. After signing a three-year, $30 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans in 2024, Valančiūnas was ultimately traded to the Sacramento Kings, and swiftly moved again in a deal sending him to Denver a move Valančiūnas had hinted at casually even before it materialized. On a Lithuanian talk show last year, he joked about wanting to join the Nuggets to “give Nikola Jokic a break for about 7 to 12 minutes,” highlighting his desire to compete on a championship-contending team rather than simply accumulate stats on a rebuild squad.

The Nuggets’ acquisition promises to bolster their frontcourt depth behind reigning MVP Jokic. Head coach David Adelman has already outlined a clear vision, intending to use Valančiūnas as a “point center” off the bench. This role leverages Valančiūnas’ ability to initiate the offense from the post, facilitate ball movement, and provide a physical presence in half-court sets traits well documented throughout his 13-year NBA tenure.

Statistically, Valančiūnas remains productive despite advancing age. Over his career, he has averaged 13.7 points and 11.2 rebounds per game, with solid efficiency in the paint. His durability has been a hallmark, appearing in over 70 games each season since 2018, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable anchor. In the 2024-25 season with the Kings, he logged 25 minutes per game, producing 12.8 points and 10.6 rebounds, underscoring his ability to contribute at a high level in meaningful minutes.

Financially, his contract offers the Nuggets valuable cap flexibility and near certainty. The $10.395 million cap hit for the 2025-26 season fits comfortably below Denver’s projected luxury tax apron, and the non-guaranteed $10 million for the following season provides potential avenues for maneuvering should the team pivot in subsequent offseasons.

Valančiūnas’ veteran presence is expected to elevate the Nuggets’ floor spacing and rebounding two critical facets as Denver aims to defend its 2024 NBA championship title. Moreover, pairing such a steady, fundamentally sound big man with Jokic’s transcendent playmaking could complicate defensive schemes for opponents.

From Valančiūnas’ perspective, the move fulfills a longstanding ambition. “I’m here to win. It’s not about personal accolades anymore; it’s about being part of a team on the cusp of greatness,” he shared during Denver’s media day. His humor and humility, combined with his gritty post play and positional expertise, make him an ideal lieutenant for the Nuggets’ roster.

Off the court, Valančiūnas’ work ethic and professionalism have earned praise from coaches and teammates alike. Coach Adelman underscored this, saying, “Jonas brings stability, intelligence, and a calm presence. He understands the game so well, and that’s what makes him an excellent fit here.”

Looking ahead, the center’s next chapters in Denver appear promising, positioning him as a crucial depth piece with championship pedigree. As the NBA approaches the 2025-26 season, all eyes will be on how Valančiūnas integrates with the Nuggets and bolsters their pursuit of back-to-back titles, confirming the trade’s significance in the league’s evolving landscape.