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Valanciunas Faces Short Timeline as Nuggets Weigh Contract Decision

A Denver choice before the July 8 guarantee deadline will decide whether the veteran center remains in the NBA or pursues offers from Europe.

Overview

  • Valanciunas said Tuesday he has held talks with two teams plus a Lithuanian club and expects clarity on his situation by the first week of July.
  • He holds a $10 million option for 2026–27 with only $2 million guaranteed which gives Denver the ability to trade, waive, or keep him before July 8.
  • The Nuggets control the outcome and have signaled roster flexibility with Nikola Jokic described as untouchable and other players available for moves.
  • Several EuroLeague clubs have been linked to Valanciunas with reports that Zalgiris proposed a two-year deal worth about €2 million per season but those offers have not been confirmed by Denver.
  • If Denver releases or trades him he would likely move to a larger playing role and closer to home in Europe while the Nuggets would clear salary space or use the contract in a trade that could cost draft assets.