Apr 4, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jonas Valanciunas (17) leaves the court in the second quarter against the San Antonio Spurs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Knicks remain active on the big-man market after losing Mitchell Robinson and Ariel Hukporti to the cap crunch and free agency. Having already brought in Andre Drummond, another veteran in Jonas Valanciunas has emerged as a depth option behind Karl-Anthony Towns.
SNY’s Ian Begley first reported that Valanciunas is on the Knicks’ radar as a more affordable option to extend their frontcourt bench. The 34-year-old was waived by the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday and will become an unrestricted free agent once he clears.Â
This is a center whom the Knicks had previously shown interest in, courting him two summers ago when he was a free agent. Valanciunas is a former client of team president Leon Rose.Â
He ultimately joined the Washington Wizards in a sight-and-trade deal, which began a journey that included stops in Sacramento with the Kings before ending up in Denver.Â
As the backup center with the Nuggets, he averaged 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds per game, but was not a part of the team’s rotation in the playoffs.Â
He is not nearly as much of a force on the boards as Robinson is, but he averaged 2.7 offensive rebounds per game over his career.Â
It will ultimately boil down to his price tag. Valanciunas was owed $10 million in 2026-27 by the Nuggets, who will pay him $2 million after waiving him. Knicks owner James Dolan has remained adamant that he will not go over the second apron, which will be set at roughly $222 million next season. According to HoopsHype, New York’s current salary is at $214 million.Â
Valanciunas will also have other options outside of the NBA, as a return to the EuroLeague could very much be in the cards.Â
For more on Jonas Valanciunas and the Knicks, visit AMNY.com
