The Denver Nuggets and center Jonas Valanciunas have amended the final year of his three-year contract to shift the guarantee date from June 29 to July 8, 2026. League sources say the change provides Denver greater flexibility to use Valanciunas’ salary in potential offseason trades after free agency begins on June 30.
The restructured agreement includes $2 million in guaranteed money for Valanciunas’ $10 million 2026-27 salary. Under the original terms, his entire salary could have been waived with no financial obligation if released by June 29.
The later guarantee date prevents Valanciunas from entering free agency until after the league’s annual moratorium ends. Sources indicate the amendment could make the 33-year-old more attractive in trades for teams seeking payroll relief.
Valanciunas remains eligible for a contract extension with Denver after this season if he chooses to continue his NBA career. The Lithuanian center signed his original three-year deal with the Washington Wizards in summer 2024 before Denver acquired him in an offseason trade from the Sacramento Kings.
Reports surfaced after the trade that Valanciunas attempted to sign with Panathinaikos in Greece. The Nuggets maintained their expectation that he would honor his NBA contract.
Valanciunas is averaging 8.7 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 12.1 minutes across six games this season. He is represented by Michael Tellem and Jeff Schwartz.