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With the New York Knicks still needing to add another center, there is a new option for them and Knicks are rumored to have interest in him.
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype on Wednesday, the Nuggets are waiving center Jonas Valaciunas in order to avoid paying him $10 million in guaranteed money for this coming season. Now, the Nuggets will only owe him $2 million.
On Thursday morning, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks are at least somewhat interested, as Valaciunas is “on their radar.”
“NYK will have solid depth at center if Valanciunas, a former client of Leon Rose, chooses Knicks in his current free agency,” Begley said. “He is among centers on their radar.”
MORE: Jalen Brunson undergoes surgery for injury, faces lengthy recovery time
This wouldn’t be the first time the Knicks have interest in Valaciunas, who revealed in 2024 that the Knicks were one of the teams he considered in free agency that year.
“We had a lot of talks with different teams. New York (was) one of them,” he said.
Other than previous interest, Valaciunas does have a connection to New York through Leon Rose, who was his agent in the past.
Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson screams during the New York Knicks Championship Parade through the Canyon of Heroes. Mandatory Credit: Brenden Willsch-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks’ biggest loss of the offseason was center Mitchell Robinson, who the team couldn’t afford to keep without going into the second apron, which New York owner James Dolan refused to do.
The Knicks have since signed Andre Drummond in free agency to replace Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics.
MORE: Mitchell Robinson confirms cause of broken hand ahead of NBA Finals
However, New York also let another center walk in Ariel Hukporti, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, so the Knicks need more depth at the position.
Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valaciunas (17) high fives teammates after making free throw baskets during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
While he won’t offer the kind of defense Robinson can, Valaciunas is a physical presence in the paint, a strong rebounder and a better low-post scorer than both Robinson and Drummond.
He would be yet another fine option as a big man off the bench for New York.
MORE: Josh Hart posts hilarious reaction to USA’s World Cup loss to Belgium
It makes all the sense in the world for the Knicks to sign Valaciunas. We’ll see if they can ultimately can get it done.
Continue reading...
According to Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype on Wednesday, the Nuggets are waiving center Jonas Valaciunas in order to avoid paying him $10 million in guaranteed money for this coming season. Now, the Nuggets will only owe him $2 million.
On Thursday morning, SNY’s Ian Begley reported that the Knicks are at least somewhat interested, as Valaciunas is “on their radar.”
“NYK will have solid depth at center if Valanciunas, a former client of Leon Rose, chooses Knicks in his current free agency,” Begley said. “He is among centers on their radar.”
MORE: Jalen Brunson undergoes surgery for injury, faces lengthy recovery time
This wouldn’t be the first time the Knicks have interest in Valaciunas, who revealed in 2024 that the Knicks were one of the teams he considered in free agency that year.
“We had a lot of talks with different teams. New York (was) one of them,” he said.
Other than previous interest, Valaciunas does have a connection to New York through Leon Rose, who was his agent in the past.
Why Knicks need another center
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Jun 18, 2026; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson screams during the New York Knicks Championship Parade through the Canyon of Heroes. Mandatory Credit: Brenden Willsch-Imagn Images
The New York Knicks’ biggest loss of the offseason was center Mitchell Robinson, who the team couldn’t afford to keep without going into the second apron, which New York owner James Dolan refused to do.
The Knicks have since signed Andre Drummond in free agency to replace Robinson, who signed with the Boston Celtics.
MORE: Mitchell Robinson confirms cause of broken hand ahead of NBA Finals
However, New York also let another center walk in Ariel Hukporti, who signed with the Philadelphia 76ers, so the Knicks need more depth at the position.
What Valaciunas would bring to Knicks
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Feb 8, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Sacramento Kings center Jonas Valaciunas (17) high fives teammates after making free throw baskets during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
While he won’t offer the kind of defense Robinson can, Valaciunas is a physical presence in the paint, a strong rebounder and a better low-post scorer than both Robinson and Drummond.
He would be yet another fine option as a big man off the bench for New York.
MORE: Josh Hart posts hilarious reaction to USA’s World Cup loss to Belgium
It makes all the sense in the world for the Knicks to sign Valaciunas. We’ll see if they can ultimately can get it done.
Continue reading...
