Nuggets and Jonas Valanciunas Adjust 2026/27 Contract Terms
The Denver Nuggets and veteran center Jonas Valanciunas have restructured the final year of his contract, according to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line. Originally, Valanciunas’ 2026/27 salary of $10 million was completely non-guaranteed if he was waived by June 29.
New Contract Trigger and Partial Guarantee
The trigger date for the contract's guarantee has been extended to July 8. Under the revised terms, Valanciunas will receive a partially guaranteed $2 million if waived before this new date, rather than nothing. This adjustment was accepted by Valanciunas himself.
Implications for Nuggets and Player
- The restructuring allows the Nuggets additional time to decide Valanciunas’ future, potentially exploring trade options to manage salary caps.
- At 33 years old, Valanciunas could be eligible for an extension if his deal becomes fully guaranteed in the offseason.
Valanciunas’ Summer Moves
Valanciunas reportedly considered signing with Greek club Panathinaikos during the summer. However, the Nuggets declined a buyout after recently acquiring him, viewing him as a valuable backup for Nikola Jokic.
"The fact that Valanciunas could potentially hit free agency much later than other players — after the July moratorium — may not matter much to him if he intends to finish his career overseas anyways."
Author’s summary: The modificaton of Valanciunas’ contract secures him a partial guarantee and extends the Nuggets’ decision window, highlighting his aging career and potential overseas future.