Jonas Valančiūnas Fantasy Stats

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas is being waived, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The veteran big man is expected to draw interest from multiple NBA teams after averaging 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists across 65 games last season. The move allows Denver to avoid guaranteeing his full $10 million salary for 2026-27, officially clearing the way for recent signee Marvin Bagley III to handle the backup center duties behind Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas can still offer efficient scoring and short-minute double-double upside, but his fantasy ceiling is completely dependent on landing with a franchise that provides a consistent frontcourt role.

The Los Angeles Lakers are in the market for a backup center after trading Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards. The Lakers are reportedly interested Kevon Looney or Jonas Valanciunas. They've secured their starting center spot after making a trade for center Walker Kessler. Between the two, Valanciunas is the better option because he's a viable option on both sides of the ball. Valanciunas is still under contract with the Denver Nuggets, but they've reportedly made him available in trade talks. During his first year in Denver, Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 13.4 minutes per game in 65 contests. His value would likely increase elsewhere where he's not stuck behind Nikola Jokic. It remains to be seen if the Nuggets are truly interested in moving the big man, but the Lakers will need to make a move for another center at some point.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas appears to have his sights set on Europe if the Nuggets don't exercise a $10 million option on his contract for next season. "I received attention," Valanciunas said during a podcast appearance in his native Lithuania. "Yes, there were talks with one team, another team, and the Lithuanian club. There are discussions, and we are deciding. But the final word belongs to Denver. First of all, it depends on whether they trade me, keep me, or not. That's their decision. Right now, I think the bigger question for them is what they will do with the roster overall: who stays and who goes. As I understand it, only Nikola [Jokic] is untouchable, and everyone else can be moved." Valanciunas noted that his future will be clear in the first week of July, or maybe even earlier. As a backup in Denver this season, Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds in 13.4 minutes per game.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) will be active against the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. Valanciunas put in a 25-minute shift in Thursday's win over Brooklyn and is ready to play for a second consecutive night after initially being listed as probable. Nikola Jokic's (knee) return will push Valanciunas to the bench, and he will have a tough time making fantasy contributions going forward. As a reserve, Valanciunas has been limited to 8.2 points and 4.5 rebounds per game this season.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has officially been cleared for Thursday's matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. He was initially listed as probable as Denver kicks off a back-to-back. Valanciunas has racked up 16.0 points and 12.5 rebounds per game since returning from a calf injury. He's in line for another solid outing on Thursday, as centers have been productive against Brooklyn all season. It's unlikely Valanciunas plays in both games of the back-to-back set, making Zeke Nnaji an appealing fantasy option for Friday.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) has been upgraded from probable to available for Tuesday's game against the Detroit Pistons. Last week, Valanciunas returned from a calf injury, but he was held out of Friday's loss to the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite missing three weeks, Valanciunas didn't show any rust against the Washington Wizards last Thursday, notching 16 points and nine rebounds in 22 minutes. He has a much trickier matchup on Tuesday against Jalen Duren and the Pistons.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Sunday's matchup in Memphis after sitting out Friday following a brief return from an extended absence. His status bears close watching, as another scratch would suggest ongoing management rather than routine rest. If Valanciunas sits, Zeke Nnaji would step in as the primary frontcourt fill-in after posting 11 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks in 37 minutes against Milwaukee, making him a viable short-term streamer. DaRon Holmes II could also re-enter the rotation in a limited role. Valanciunas carries a clear risk for fantasy managers, while Nnaji is best viewed as a situational play tied to matchups and minutes.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valaniunas (calf) has been officially listed as available for Thursday's matchup against the Washington Wizards. He will make his first appearance of 2026 after missing three weeks with a calf strain. With Nikola Jokic (knee) out, Valanciunas' return is a major boost for Denver. However, Nuggets head coach David Adelman said Valanciunas' minutes will be "pretty limited" on Thursday night. The return of Valanciunas is set to impact the playing time of DaRon Holmes and Zeke Nnaji.

According to Bennett Durando of The Denver Post, Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is expected to play against the Washington Wizards on Thursday. The veteran center sustained a right calf strain against Toronto on New Year's Eve and was initially due to miss at least four weeks. With Nikola Jokic (knee) still out, the Nuggets could use Valanciunas to bolster their frontcourt during tonight's tilt. If he does indeed return, the 33-year-old would provide much-needed support to Aaron Gordon (hamstring), who has recently filled in at center.

Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (calf) is questionable for Thursday's meeting with the Wizards. The veteran big man suffered a right calf strain during the win over the Toronto Raptors on New Year's Eve. He was initially projected to be sidelined for at least four weeks. While that may remain the case, the questionable tag seems to indicate Valanciunas might be back sooner than anticipated. With Nikola Jokic (knee) on the shelf, the Nuggets could certainly use Valanciunas's services as soon as possible. In the meantime, Aaron Gordon (hamstring) will presumably continue handling things in the middle, with Zeke Nnaji getting around 15-20 minutes of work from off the bench.