It looked like Jonas Valanciunas was going to head to the Denver Nuggets next season, providing them with much-needed help in the center position.
But it now sounds like Valanciunas has decided to leave the NBA to play overseas, leaving a huge hole in Denver’s plan.
They are quickly pivoting and eyeing another big man to help them.
According to Evan Sidery, the Nuggets are “widely expected” to pursue Al Horford in free agency.
“The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role,” Sidery wrote.
With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency.
The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025
For most of the week, it sounded like the Golden State Warriors had the best shot of getting Horford, who has spent his last several years with the Boston Celtics.
But this loss of Valanciunas has changed everything, and now the Nuggets are in hot pursuit of him.
He would be a huge pickup for Denver.
Horford, who has been in the league for 18 seasons, averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds last season.
Although he is 39 years old, he was still playing impressive and important basketball for the Celtics and was one of the reasons they won a championship in 2024.
The Warriors and Lakers were taking a serious look at acquiring him, but they now have real competition.
What can the Nuggets offer, beyond just a regular place in the rotation?
On top of that, how long will they have him for, and is retirement right around the corner?
If plans for Horford fall through, do the Nuggets have another backup plan in mind, or is this their last hope to get a backup big man?
