As the Lakers continue to show interest in Jonas Valanciunas, the Nuggets could become open to exploring a trade. And with the veteran center nearing a move to Zalgiris Kaunas, growing interest from NBA teams may ultimately keep the Lithuanian big man in the league.
Jonas Valanciunas’ future in the NBA remains a huge question mark, as the Los Angeles Lakers have emerged as interested in his play for this year’s offseason.
MIN
13
PTS
8.4
FG%
63.2%
REB
4.9
AS
1.1
Apparently, according to NBA insiders Marc Stein and Jake Fischer, the Denver Nuggets are welcoming a potential trade with the Lakers involving the Lithuanian big man.
“Looney remains on the Lakers’ radar, sources say, as does Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas. The latter, remember, was a Lakers free agent target two summers ago before Valanciunas opted to sign a multiyear deal with Washington instead,” the report indicated.
“Sources say that the Lakers’ interest, furthermore, is certainly welcomed by the Nuggets, who have made Valanciunas available in trade conversations since Denver’s season ended and especially in connection with the recent draft as the Nuggets explored various deals while also shopping the No. 26 overall pick.”
Valanciunas is under a three-year, $30.3 million deal originally signed in 2024, but his status for the 2026–27 season is quite intriguing after landing a contract restructuring with the Nuggets.
Valanciunas holds a $10 million salary for next season, but only $2 million is guaranteed. If the Nuggets do not waive him by July 8, he will earn the full amount for 2026-27.
Growing NBA interest now in Jonas Valanciunas?
In the wake of his looming contract deadline with the Nuggets and his pending move to Zalgiris Kaunas should he get cut by Denver, Jonas Valanciunas is reportedly drawing significant consideration now around the NBA.
This interest is deeply rooted among teams looking to add size and frontcourt presence, as added by Stein and Fischer.
“NBA interest in the 34-year-old only seems to be growing given the increasing need for proven size that so many teams feel,” both insiders wrote.
Valanciunas has proven himself to be a productive big man in the NBA this past season. Across 65 appearances as Nikola Jokic’s backup, he averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists while maintaining a highly efficient 58.2% field goal percentage for Denver.
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