Nikola Jokić Gains New Backup as Nuggets Waive Jonas Valančiūnas

**Nikola Jokić** saw the Denver Nuggets move on from backup center Jonas Valančiūnas on **7 July 2026**, waiving the 34‑year‑old before a $10 million guarantee kicked in and immediately targeting Marvin Bagley as the new second‑string option.

The Nuggets announced the waiver after Valančiūnas failed to secure a regular‑rotation spot during the stretch run and the first‑round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. In 65 regular‑season games for Denver, he posted **8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists** in **13.4 minutes** per outing. His playoff minutes shrank to just four of six games, where he managed **2.8 points and 2.3 rebounds** in **6.3 minutes** each.

Jokić, a three‑time NBA MVP, relies on a reliable big‑man off the bench to stay fresh for the grind of an NBA season. Valančiūnas' limited floor‑spacing ability left Denver’s offense stagnant when Jokić rested, forcing the coaching staff to trim the roster before the guaranteed portion of the contract activated. The move signals Denver’s intent to protect Jokić’s minutes and keep the lineup versatile, especially with the upcoming free‑agency window.

Denver reached a one‑year deal with veteran forward/center Marvin Bagley, announced the week before the waiver. Bagley, who previously logged double‑digit scoring nights with the Sacramento Kings, is expected to provide more athleticism and defensive flexibility than Valančiūnas. The front office hopes his ability to guard multiple positions will let Jokić stay on the floor longer without sacrificing rim protection.

By cutting Valančiūnas before the $10 million guarantee, Denver saves cap space that can be redirected toward role players or future extensions for core pieces. The roster now sits at 15 players, with Jokić, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. forming the offensive nucleus. Bagley’s addition gives Coach Michael Miller a deeper bench, potentially improving the team’s defensive rating in the second half of the season.

The Nuggets head into the next stretch with a refreshed bench, aiming to tighten up their interior defense before the playoffs. Jokić will continue to anchor the offense, while Bagley works to earn minutes in practice and games. Denver’s front office will monitor the cap implications of the waiver and Bagley’s contract as they plan for the 2026‑27 season.