The writing appears to be on the wall for Jonas Valanciunas in Denver. After a season in which the veteran center became increasingly unplayable in the playoffs, the Nuggets — already facing significant financial pressure this offseason — are poised to move on from the big man.
With only $2 million of his $10 million contract guaranteed for next season, Denver stands to save a crucial $8 million by waiving Valanciunas. The move would represent a clear business decision for a franchise laser-focused on staying competitive around Nikola Jokic while managing the books.
Valanciunas himself seems to understand the reality of the situation. In a recent interview with Basketball News, the Lithuanian center acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding his future: “We’ll see what moves and decisions the management makes. Everything is in their hands. Right now, the work is happening in the front office — they’re handling things. We’ll see what they decide.”
As the Nuggets prepare for life after Valanciunas, the front office must chart a clear path to maintain interior presence and depth behind Jokic. Three realistic options have emerged as the most viable routes forward.
Next Man Up: DaRon Holmes II
One of the most organic solutions lies within the organization. DaRon Holmes II, selected in the 2024 NBA Draft specifically for depth behind Jokic, has been limited by an Achilles injury. With Valanciunas likely departing, Holmes may finally get the opportunity to prove his worth.
Should the Nuggets opt to run it back while retaining Payton Watson, they could deploy Holmes in a nimble, small-ball unit featuring Spencer Jones, Zeke Nnaji, Watson, and Bruce Brown. This group would prioritize defensive versatility, length, and quickness — a lineup capable of creating headaches for opposing offenses through switching and disruption.
The Big-Ticket Free Agent: Mitchell Robinson
For a more immediate upgrade in physicality, Denver could target New York Knicks backup center Mitchell Robinson in free agency. The 7-footer brings elite rim protection, rebounding tenacity, and explosive athleticism — qualities that could help replicate Valanciunas’s presence in the paint.
Robinson’s ability to crash the offensive glass and protect the rim would provide something the current roster lacks. He could also spell Jokic in certain matchups, offering a contrasting physical style that forces opponents to adjust. However, acquiring Robinson would likely require Denver to shed salary — possibly by moving starter Cameron Johnson and additional bench pieces — making it a high-stakes financial commitment.
The Draft Option: Henri Veesaar
With the 26th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, the Nuggets could also address the position through the draft. Estonian big man Henri Veesaar, currently at the University of North Carolina, has risen up boards with his intriguing skill set.
Veesaar offers solid defensive instincts and impressive floor-spacing ability for a center, having shot over 42% from three-point range while averaging more than five rebounds per game in limited minutes during the 2025-26 season. While lacking veteran experience, his shooting and mobility would allow Denver to maintain small-ball flexibility while providing affordable insurance behind Jokic for injury or foul trouble scenarios.
A Defining Offseason Decision
Valanciunas’s exit feels increasingly inevitable. Whether the Nuggets lean on internal development with DaRon Holmes II, pursue a proven talent like Mitchell Robinson, or invest in the future with a prospect like Henri Veesaar, one thing is clear: they must develop a cohesive plan for the minutes when Nikola Jokic rests.
The non-Jokic stretches have often been a vulnerability for contenders. How Denver replaces Valanciunas’s production and presence could ultimately determine whether they remain serious title contenders in 2027. The front office’s next moves will speak volumes about their vision for the post-Valanciunas era.