Breaking: Jonas Valanciunas Officially Commits to Denver Nuggets, Vows to Give Full Effort and Embrace Championship Culture
In a move that has energized the Denver Nuggets fanbase and sent a clear signal to the rest of the NBA, veteran center Jonas Valanciunas has officially committed to joining the defending Western Conference contenders, promising to give his “fullest effort” as he begins the next chapter of his career. The announcement came early Thursday morning via a team statement and was followed by Valanciunas’ own message to Nuggets Nation, where he expressed both excitement and humility about joining a franchise with championship expectations and a winning culture.
The signing marks a pivotal addition for Denver, which has been seeking experienced frontcourt depth behind reigning MVP and franchise cornerstone Nikola Jokic. Valanciunas, a 12-year NBA veteran known for his bruising physicality, soft hands, and relentless rebounding, is expected to bring valuable minutes off the bench while also mentoring the team’s younger big men. More importantly, his arrival reaffirms Denver’s commitment to surrounding Jokic with seasoned, high-IQ players capable of contributing in critical playoff moments.
“This is a team that plays the right way, that knows how to win, and that treats the game with respect,” Valanciunas said in a video shared by the team. “I’m here to do whatever is needed. Whether that’s five minutes or thirty minutes, I’m going to give my fullest effort every time I step on the floor. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity like this—to be part of a real contender—and now that it’s here, I’m ready to give everything.”
Valanciunas, 32, spent the past few seasons anchoring the frontcourt for the New Orleans Pelicans, where he remained a consistent double-double threat. Known for his durability and efficiency in the paint, he averaged 12.8 points and 9.6 rebounds last season in under 25 minutes per game. His old-school post game, reliable mid-range touch, and improved passing make him an ideal fit for the Nuggets’ system, which thrives on movement, unselfishness, and interior spacing.
The Nuggets had reportedly been eyeing Valanciunas since the trade deadline earlier this year but were unable to strike a deal with New Orleans. After becoming a free agent this summer, discussions between his camp and Denver escalated quickly. According to team sources, Head Coach Michael Malone played a key role in recruiting Valanciunas, emphasizing the organization’s trust-based environment and the chance to play alongside Jokic in one of the league’s most fluid offenses.
“Jonas is a pro’s pro,” Malone said following the signing. “He’s been through the wars. He’s played on rebuilding teams, playoff teams, Olympic teams—he knows what it takes to win and what sacrifice looks like. More than anything, he wants to win. He brings toughness, rebounding, and a veteran presence that’s going to be huge for us this season.”
While Jokic is unquestionably the engine of Denver’s success, the Nuggets have struggled at times when he sits. Last year, the team leaned on a rotating cast of backup bigs, including Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan, with mixed results. Valanciunas offers a more dependable and versatile option—one who can hold his own against the league’s elite second units and provide a stabilizing presence when the MVP needs rest.
The move is also a signal that Denver is not content with just one championship. Despite their 2023 title and strong core of Jokic, Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon, the Nuggets were eliminated in the 2024 playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves in a hard-fought second-round series. Injuries and bench inconsistency were glaring issues. Adding Valanciunas is one way to address both.
But for Valanciunas, the decision was about more than basketball. After years of playing in Memphis, Toronto, and New Orleans—cities where he was often the focal point or a foundational piece—he now finds himself in a supporting role, one he embraces fully.
“I’ve had my time being the guy who has to carry the load,” he said. “Now, I want to be part of something bigger than myself. I want to win. I want to help a team win. It’s not about stats anymore. It’s about banners, it’s about legacy, it’s about doing something special together.”
That sentiment has already endeared him to Nuggets fans, many of whom took to social media to welcome him with open arms. Messages like “Perfect fit,” “Championship depth,” and “The toughness we needed” flooded Twitter and Reddit threads shortly after the news broke. Valanciunas, though not as flashy as other offseason signings across the league, brings something every contender needs: reliability.
Nuggets President of Basketball Operations Calvin Booth praised the acquisition in a statement, calling Valanciunas “one of the most respected veterans in the league” and someone who “understands his role and plays it to perfection.” Booth also highlighted Valanciunas’ playoff experience and international pedigree, pointing to his contributions for Lithuania in multiple FIBA tournaments.
“He’s not going to wow you with speed or above-the-rim highlights,” Booth said. “But he’s going to outwork you. He’s going to box you out. He’s going to make smart plays and be in the right spot. Those are the kinds of guys who win playoff games. We’re lucky to have him.”
The signing is also expected to have a ripple effect in Denver’s locker room. Young bigs like Nnaji and Peyton Watson will now have the chance to learn from a veteran who’s faced nearly every matchup imaginable and who approaches the game with a blue-collar mentality. Valanciunas, often described as a “gentle giant,” is known for his professionalism and mentorship, dating back to his early days in Toronto where he guided emerging players through the grind of the NBA season.
For Jokic, the arrival of Valanciunas brings a unique dynamic. The two European bigs have faced each other many times in both NBA and international competition, often trading bruises and tough buckets in the paint. Now, they’ll be sharing the same bench, a development that has Jokic’s approval, according to sources.
“They respect each other,” said a former Eastern Conference scout. “Jokic doesn’t need a flashy backup. He wants someone who understands the game, who’s tough, and who doesn’t need touches to stay engaged. That’s Jonas.”
As training camp approaches, the excitement around Valanciunas’ commitment continues to build. His willingness to accept a role, focus on defense and rebounding, and integrate seamlessly into the Nuggets’ unselfish offensive schemes makes him a natural fit. And while he may not be the marquee name of the offseason, his signing could prove to be one of the most impactful when the playoffs roll around.
“I’m not here to chase headlines,” Valanciunas said. “I’m here to work. I’m here to fight for wins. I’m here to help Denver get back to the top.”
With that kind of mindset, it’s clear why the Nuggets moved quickly to bring him in. And with his combination of skill, strength, and selflessness, Jonas Valanciunas might just be the missing piece the Nuggets need to raise another banner in Ball Arena.
