Al Horford, currently a free agent, remains unsigned several days into NBA free agency, with indications pointing toward a deal with the Golden State Warriors. However, the evolving situation surrounding Jonas Valanciunas‘ NBA future has led some to urge Horford to reconsider and join the Denver Nuggets instead. Valanciunas’ potential departure from the NBA creates an opening that could influence Horford’s next move.

Jonas Valanciunas’ Possible Exit Creates Opportunity for Denver

After being traded to the Denver Nuggets from the Sacramento Kings, Lithuanian center Jonas Valanciunas has attracted attention from Panathinaikos, a Greek professional basketball team. According to Marc Stein, Valanciunas is now considering leaving the NBA to continue his career overseas. This move would leave Denver with a gap in their roster at the backup center position, a critical role given that Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets star and recent three-time MVP, requires rest during games.

The vacancy at backup center could open the door for Al Horford. Over the last two seasons with the Boston Celtics, Horford has alternated between starting and bench roles, stepping in primarily when Kristaps Porzingis was sidelined. At 39 years old, Horford might benefit from a more limited role in Denver, helping to manage his workload much like Boston has done.

Calls Grow for Horford to Join Denver Instead of Golden State

Despite reports from Stein and Jake Fischer on July 3 confirming that all signs point to Horford eventually signing with Golden State, fans and analysts have voiced opposition, keen for Horford to pivot toward Denver. Supporters argue his presence could shore up Denver’s roster and keep their championship hopes alive.

“All signs, for the record, continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State … eventually.” —Jake Fischer and Marc Stein

“Just sign Al Horford, and go find a way to get a backup point guard, and the Nuggets are still winning it all,”

one fan tweeted.

“I need Jonas situation to be official so Nuggets can throw that bag at Horford,”

another fan added.

“In my opinion, Al Horford should play on the Nuggets and not with the Warriors or Lakers,”

someone stated.

“But that’s just one man’s opinion.”

“If the Nuggets end up with Horford because of this that’s even better…”

one user responded after the Valanciunas news broke.

If Valanciunas decides to leave the NBA and relinquishes the financial terms of his current contract, Denver could utilize the full mid-level exception to sign Horford, increasing their chances to strengthen the roster for the upcoming season.

Implications for Horford and Denver’s Championship Aspirations

Should Horford opt to join the Nuggets, it would offer Denver experienced depth behind Jokic, a critical factor for sustaining championship-level performance through a grueling season. Conversely, a move to Golden State may limit Horford’s playing time but extend his career longevity. This decision takes on additional weight as teams adjust strategies amid an uncertain free agency landscape, with Horford’s choice potentially influencing several roster moves across the league.