Knicks should add Valančiūnas for even more depth to their frontcourt.
The New York Knicks have an opportunity to strengthen one of their biggest areas of need after veteran center Jonas Valančiūnas became available.
The Denver Nuggets are waiving Valančiūnas despite his fully guaranteed $10 million salary for the 2026-27 season, according to HoopsHype.
Denver will still owe the veteran center $2 million after the move, allowing him to enter free agency as one of the top available big men on the market.
For the defending champs, the timing couldn't be better.
Adding Jonas to the Frontcourt
The Knicks have already added veteran center Andre Drummond to the mix on a one-year, $3.9 million deal, and Valančiūnas would add more depth to the frontcourt. Even at 34 years old, the veteran remains one of the NBA's most productive rebounders and interior scorers.
Across 14 NBA seasons, Valančiūnas has averaged 12.8 points and 9.0 rebounds while establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable centers.
His physical style of play, rebounding ability and experience would give New York another dependable option next to Drummond.
There is also a previous connection between the two sides.
During the 2024 offseason, Valančiūnas revealed that the Knicks were among the teams interested in signing him.
"We had a lot of talks with different teams. New York was one of them."
That interest could now be revisited as New York looks to round out its roster before training camp.
Jonas Valančiūnas (17) shoots over Oklahoma City Thunder guard Ajay Mitchell (25) during the second quarter at Paycom Center. The Factors in a New York Connection
Another factor working in the Knicks' favor is team president Leon Rose. Before entering the front office, Rose represented several NBA players as an agent, including Valančiūnas. That prior relationship could make New York an attractive destination as the veteran weighs his next opportunity.
Adding Valančiūnas would also provide valuable insurance at center over the course of an 82-game season. Injuries are inevitable, and having an experienced player capable of starting when needed would give head coach Mike Brown far greater flexibility.
Offensively, Valančiūnas remains an effective low-post scorer who can finish around the rim and create second-chance opportunities with his offensive rebounding. Defensively, his size and physicality allow him to match up with many of the league's traditional centers.
Valančiūnas continues to fill an important role as a dependable veteran capable of producing in limited or expanded minutes in a starting role or off the bench.
The Knicks have already built a roster capable of competing near the top of the Eastern Conference to defend their championship.
With mutual interest existing in the past, an available veteran on the market and a clear need for additional frontcourt depth, New York appears to be one of the logical landing spots for Valančiūnas as he prepares for the next chapter of his NBA career.
