Jonas Valančiūnas is no longer with the Denver Nuggets, as revealed by Sams Sarania.

The Denver team decided not to exercise the option on the Lithuanian center’s contract for the upcoming season, resulting in the veteran big man becoming a free agent. Nevertheless, the 34-year-old will receive a $2 million severance package from the Nuggets.

Last season, Valančiūnas averaged 8.7 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists in 65 games, shooting 58.2% from the field and 30.8% from the three-point line.

According to Sarania, any NBA team can acquire him via the waiver process within the next 48 hours. If that doesn’t happen, then the path for his return to Europe will be definitively open.

Zalgiris Kaunas is closely monitoring developments, having already reached an agreement with the player on a two-year contract; and provided there is no interest from an NBA team, Valanciunas is expected to return to his homeland.

*photo source: AR