The Denver Nuggets have some big decisions ahead of them over the next few weeks as they look to get back into contention in the Western Conference. One of the many players with an uncertain future in Denver is backup center Jonas Valanciunas, who has a non-guaranteed $10 million salary for next season.
Recently, Valanciunas himself spoke on his situation with Denver as free agency approaches.
They have to decide for themselves what direction the team will take and what they want to do. The season was not what we expected because we definitely did not meet expectations. I think they have decisions to make. Everything should become clear around the NBA Draft [June 24-25]. There is not much time left,” Valanciunas said, per BasketNews, via Hoopshype.
Valanciunas was acquired by the Nuggets from the New Orleans Pelicans prior to last season and at one point looked destined to instead play overseas in Europe, before ultimately deciding to honor his NBA contract and play for Denver.
At times, the veteran was a serviceable backup for Nikola Jokic, giving the Nuggets immense size and solid playmaking chops off the bench at the five. However, he also was played off the floor in certain matchups, including in the Nuggets' first round playoff series loss at the hands of the Minnesota Timberwolves, which might affect the Nuggets' decision-making process regarding him this offseason.
Denver will also likely look for ways to get off the contracts of players like Christian Bruan and potentially Cam Johnson this offseason, although doing so might not be an easy task.
In any case, NBA free agency is officially slated to open for business on June 30.
