Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Jonas Valanciunas could emerge as a target for the New York Knicks.
After the Denver Nuggets took care of business against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday, April 8, the team took to social media to announce a critical milestone for one of their veterans.
via Denver Nuggets on X: New milestone achieved ✔️
The team pointed out that the veteran center, Jonas Valanciunas, played in his 1,000th game in the NBA. He got an opportunity to share his special career moment with the Nuggets.
Valanciunas came off the bench for 13 minutes on Wednesday night.
The veteran center was perfect from the field, hitting on 6-6 shots. He went 2-3 from the line. Valanciunas led the Nuggets’ bench in scoring with 14 points. He also collected four rebounds and blocked two shots.
The Nuggets defeated the Grizzlies 136-119. With that win, the Nuggets improved to 52-28 on the season. They are now 1.5 games in front of the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference’s third seed.
Jonas Valanciunas’ NBA Career
GettySACRAMENTO, CA – APRIL 13: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Sacramento Kings smiles after making a basket in the fourth quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Golden 1 Center on April 13, 2025 in Sacramento, California.
Valanciunas started his NBA career in 2012. The veteran center is a former fifth-overall pick who started with the Toronto Raptors.
He spent seven seasons with the Raptors, seeing the court for 470 games. In 2019, Valanciunas was moved to the Memphis Grizzlies in a deadline trade.
A three-year stint in Memphis was followed with a trade to the New Orleans Pelicans. That deal occurred in the offseason of 2021.
GettyOAKLAND, CA – DECEMBER 12: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Toronto Raptors grimaces in pain after hurting his finger against the Golden State Warriors at ORACLE Arena on December 12, 2018 in Oakland, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Following a three-year run with the Pelicans, Valanciunas was traded again. That time, he was moved to the Sacramento Kings. He saw the court for just 32 games with the Kings last season. Valanciunas averaged 8.7 points and 7.0 rebounds.
The Nuggets were interested in Valanciunas and acquired him in exchange for Dario Saric. Valanciunas was hoping to leave the NBA and play for a team in Greece. Eventually, Valanciunas decided to play out the year with the Nuggets.
During his first season with Denver, Valanciunas has appeared in 63 games. Seeing the court for 13.0 minutes per game, Valanciunas is posting averages of 8.4 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 1.1 assists.
Justin Grasso Justin Grasso is an NBA reporter, covering trending league news, transactions, injuries, and player developments. He is a credentialed journalist with nearly a decade of insider access. More about Justin Grasso
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