Nuggets Fans Excited After New Al Horford Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

So many of the free agent dominoes have fallen that Boston Celtics center Al Horford is one of the biggest names still available on the open market. As it turns out, it’s still unclear what his plans are this offseason.

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Reports have tied him to the Golden State Warriors, but nothing is set in stone. The San Francisco Chronicle’s Sam Gordon reported that Horford is not expected to make a decision on his next team over the weekend.

“Horford is a prime target for the Warriors, league sources confirmed to the Chronicle, but the five-time All-Star big man … isn’t expected to make a decision this weekend,” Gordon wrote.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42)Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports

While Horford remains linked to Golden State, this new report about him remaining undecided could be good news for the Denver Nuggets, who are currently dealing with the potential fallout from the Jonas Valanciunas situation.

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While Denver acquired Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, he reportedly wants to leave the NBA to go overseas to play for the Greek professional basketball team, Panathinaikos, which BasketNews’ Donatas Urbonas first reported.

If Valanciunas follows through on those plans, the Nuggets could turn to Horford as Nikola Jokic’s backup center. Following the report that Horford remains undecided, Nuggets fans were ecstatic to find out they still have a chance.

“Oh he’s definitely a nugget,” one wrote.

“That means the nuggets still have a chance!” another proclaimed.

“He’s waiting on us,” said one Nuggets fan.

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“This 100 percent screams that Horford is waiting to see what happens between Valanciunas and the Nuggets,” another wrote.

“He wants to be a nugget,” one believed.

“He’s a Nugget,” said another.

HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto confirmed Denver was among the teams interested in Horford on June 30.

Related: Calls Mount for Al Horford to Change Decision After Jonas Valanciunas News

Related: New Development on Al Horford’s Warriors-Lakers Decision

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 6, 2025, where it first appeared.

After a savvy trade that sent former Golden State Warriors big man Dario Saric to the Sacramento Kings, it was widely assumed that the Denver Nuggets had finally got their ideal veteran backup for Nikola Jokic in the form of Jonas Valancuinas.

But while that trade was made at the start of free agency, there’s now a good chance that Valancuinas won’t arrive in Denver at all as he seeks a return to Europe where there’s a strong offer on the table from Panathinaikos in Greece.

The Nuggets could become a threat to sign Al Horford in free agency

The Valancuinas decision could become a real problem for the Warriors, throwing a spanner in the works of trying to sign veteran big man Al Horford in free agency. Should the Lithuanian return to Europe and forfeit the final year of his NBA contract, the Nuggets could suddenly open up the full non-taxpayer mid-level exception and target an alternative backup for Jokic.

While there’s been no direct reports linking the Nuggets to the 39-year-old in the last 24 hours, there’s growing speculation that they could become a real player in the Horford sweepstakes. Golden State have been the hot favorites to land the Boston Celtics big man over recent days, while the Los Angeles Lakers and the option of retirement have also been reported as potential options for Horford.

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

Haven’t looked at what the Warriors can offer Horford v. what the Nuggets can offer him, but Al should go play for the Nuggets. Exactly what they need. — Nate Jones (@JonesOnTheNBA) July 5, 2025

If Al Horford joins the Nuggets instead of the Warriors after all these Reports……….. — Chef curry (Parody) (@baby_face_goat) July 4, 2025

Unfortunately for the Warriors, the Nuggets option does make a lot of sense and would be a wonderful fit for a franchise that’s already considered big winners from the last week. The Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. and a future first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for sharpshooter Cam Johnson on Monday, while subsequently signing valuable rotation pieces Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. to cheap contracts.

Denver could have a couple things on their side over Golden State, even beyond simply being able to offer more from a financial perspective. Right now, particularly after what we’ve seen since the start of free agency, the Nuggets look like a far more legitimate championship contender. If Horford is simply looking to add another title to his decorated résumé, then even Warrior fans would probably concede the Nuggets are in a better position.

The Warriors could still offer a far more significant role and playing time than the Nuggets given their vacancy at the center position, but it remains to be seen just how much of a motivating factor that is for Horford entering his 19th season.

Perhaps he’d actually prefer playing backup to Jokic rather than take on a heavy burden with Golden State, not to mention that their skillsets would actually allow Horford and Jokic to play some minutes together in double big lineups.

The Valancuinas acquisition made it seem like the Nuggets wouldn’t be in the market for another center like Horford, but here we are after a development that could deal a brutal blow to the Warriors hopes of signing the 5x All-Star.

Jonas Valanciunas (Image Credits: Imagn)

Just this last Sunday, the Denver Nuggets made a blockbuster trade with the Sacramento Kings to acquire Jonas Valanciunas in the NBA free agency. They exchanged Dario Saric for the veteran center, signing him in the existing $10.4 million contract. Although this deal would guarantee the Lithuanian star’s continued participation on the team until the 2025/26 season, the Colorado-based franchise had the option to either retain him for another season or clear up around $10 million of cap space.

However, reports circulated that Valanciunas might be close to leaving the NBA and joining Greece’s Panathinaikos Basketball Club. The Lithuanian star is said to have a whopping €12 million (around $36 million) three-year deal on the table and is seemingly close to signing it.

But what does this mean for the Denver Nuggets? As per Marc Stein, the NBA team will “gain access to their full MLE.”

Jonas Valančiūnas is traveling to Greece per numerous reports and hopes to be released from his NBA contract after Denver acquires him Sunday from Sacramento to join Panathinaikos.

The Nuggets’ consolation: They would gain access to their full MLE.

More: https://t.co/HpE639WN7H https://t.co/nUoE7G8TKn pic.twitter.com/nExJLDbxWC — Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) July 4, 2025

Digging into detail about what exactly MLE is. In the NBA, it simply means that a team has the privilege to sign players even if they have surpassed the set salary cap. Moreover, the team will not be eligible for the first luxury tax apron.

Fans Express Disappointment Over Jonas Valanciunas Reportedly Joining Panathinaikos

Former Kings Center Jonas Valanciunas (Image Credit: Imagn Images)

If Valanciunas officially opts out of the NBA, the Denver Nuggets’ already fragile depth at center becomes a glaring weakness. Nikola Jokic is capable of handling heavy minutes, but the team needs a strong backup to help manage the grind of the regular season and avoid burnout come playoff time. And it seems fans have similar concerns.

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On Marc Stein’s X (formerly Twitter) post, fans rallied to express their disappointment over the Lithuanian star’s shocking career move.

One of the fans wrote, “Harder to find a backup center for Jokic than to fill the defense against the dark arts position.”

Harder to find a backup center for Jokic than to fill the defense against the dark arts position. — No_look_Jok (@nolookjok) July 4, 2025

“Jokic was about to finally get a real backup center behind him,” another fan had a similar opinion about Jonas Valanciunas as perfect backup for Nikola Jokic.

Jokic was about to finally get a real backup center behind him — Lakers Hoops (@HoopLakers) July 4, 2025

A fan was pretty much happy with Valanciunas leaving Nuggets as he wrote, “So he’s willing to give up the full 10mill? As a nuggets I’ll take that, dumping Saric and freeing up 2x his salary with 0 assests an AMAZING deal even if Val leaves”

So he’s willing to give up the full 10mill? As a nuggets I’ll take that, dumping Saric and freeing up 2x his salary with 0 assests an AMAZING deal even if Val leaves — idk (@jaycee9987) July 4, 2025

One of the fans was sure that “Jokic will never have a backup center.”

Jokic will never have a backup center 💀 — Jack (@jackknowsballfr) July 4, 2025

While there was a fan who wrote in bold letters, “AL HORFORD COME HOME.”

AL HORFORD COME HOME — Bobby 🎲 (@Sportsfanbobby) July 4, 2025

Most fans shared the opinion that Jonas Valanciunas’s leaving the NBA would affect the Denver Nuggets. However, with full MLE now, the Nuggets must act quickly. If the Lithuanian star is indeed leaving, they need someone to cover Nikola Jokic as backup in a loaded Western Conference!

Also Read: Denver Nuggets Bring In Former NBA Champion With Mavericks As New Assistant Coach

Jonas Valanciunas wants to leave the NBA—and the Denver Nuggets—primarily because of a longer guaranteed deal from Panathinaikos Athens, his desire to play a major role on a title-contending team, frustration with playing for NBA teams without a winning culture, and personal reasons.

Credit: ZUMAPRESS.com – Scanpix

Thursday night, Jonas Valanciunas stunned the Denver Nuggets and NBA fan base after BasketNews reported that the Lithuanian is considering a return to Europe.

On Tuesday, Shams Charania reported that Valanciunas was traded to the Denver Nuggets for Dario Saric, and it seemed that the 33-year-old will finally have a shot at competing for the NBA title as Nikola Jokic’s backup.

The Nuggets fan base was also happy with the acquisition, and Valanciunas himself was initially pleased with the outcome

So, what changed?

Main reasons why Jonas Valanciunas wants to leave the NBA

The Panathinaikos offer was the real game-changer. Money aside, it gave Valanciunas long-term stability, a major role, and the opportunity to play for a team that will compete for multiple titles on the European and domestic levels.

Valanciunas has been a serial winner since the very beginning of his career. He led Lithuania to gold medals at the youth level in EuroBasket U16, EuroBasket U18, and the World Cup U19.

After transitioning to the senior level, he also won two silver medals with Lithuania in EuroBasket 2013 and EuroBasket 2015. However, these are his last titles since then.

Jonas Valanciunas Credit Erikas Ovčarenko/BNS

Therefore, playing for the tanking Washington Wizards or a borderline playoff team like the Sacramento Kings in the stacked Western Conference was far from perfect for JV.

A return to Europe and signing with Panathinaikos would give Valanciunas a guaranteed shot at trophies once again.

And before you say that the Denver Nuggets are legit NBA contenders (which they are)…

Let’s talk money.

Panathinaikos offer vs. Denver Nuggets contract

Valanciunas’ current NBA contract was only guaranteed through the 2025–26 season, during which the Denver Nuggets would pay him $10.4 million gross.

The deal also includes a team option for 2026–27 worth $10 million, which the Nuggets can choose to exercise or decline next summer.

However, the US and NBA system has plenty of taxes that include:

Federal Income Tax

Colorado State Tax

Jock Tax

NBA Escrow Withholding

Agent Fees

Others

All in all, after taxes, Valanciunas would pocket from $4.2 to $5 million from his guaranteed NBA deal for the 2025-26 season.

Meanwhile, Panathinaikos would pay Valanciunas €12 million (around $13 million) for 3 years.

Most importantly, this figure is after all the taxes being deducted, essentially making JV’s yearly salary almost the same, if not slightly better, compared to his NBA deal.

Finally, it’s not just about the role or the money. There are personal reasons behind Valanciunas’ desire to return to Europe—reasons only he can address.

Panathinaikos isn’t a usual European team

For even more context, it’s important to note that Panathinaikos isn’t your usual European team.

PAO currently have six former NBA players:

Kendrick Nunn

Jerian Grant

Cedi Osman

Juancho Hernangomez

Omer Yurtseven

Lorenzo Brown

Mathias Lessort was also on the NBA teams radar last summer before signing a long-term extension, reportedly worth €7 million.

This April, Nunn also signed a 3-year, €13.5 million (approx. $14.8M) contract extension with Panathinaikos, becoming the highest-paid player in Europe.

Last season, the Greek powerhouse had the second-largest budget in the EuroLeague, totaling €37 million, with €20.5 million spent on player and coach salaries—tied for first in the league.

Panathinaikos are also known for their passionate fan base, which creates an electric atmosphere at every home game.

On top of that, Athens is simply a great place to live – it’s one of the sunniest cities in Europe, with around 270 to 300 sunny days per year.

Returning to Lithuania wouldn’t be a problem for Valanciunas either, as it’s only a three-hour direct flight from Greece to the Lithuanian capital.

Edvinas Jablonskis Editor Edvinas Jablonskis began his basketball coverage career in 2017. Starting as a Daily Writer for BasketNews.lt, he steadily climbed the ranks and became a Daily Editor for BasketNews.com in 2021, a position he continues to hold. Over the years, Jablonskis has covered multiple EuroLeague Final Fours and international tournaments, including the FIBA EuroBasket, FIBA Basketball World Cup, and FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament. About author

The Boston Celtics would love to re-sign Al Horford. Unfortunately, that may not be in the cards. After consecutive campaigns over the second apron, the organization is dealing with minimal flexibility.

The franchise has had to say goodbye to Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet. However, the Celtics have more work to do. That’s especially true if they’re determined to get under the luxury tax.

They’re nearly $20 million over that line after agreeing to deals with Luka Garza and Josh Minott, per capsheets.com. If Boston dodges the luxury tax this season and next, it will reset the repeater tax.

As the 18-time NBA champions build toward a brighter future, they’re also preparing for a season that one would think does not include Jayson Tatum. As the six-time All-Star rehabs from an Achilles tear, the Celtics appear in line for a gap year.

That might send Al Horford elsewhere.

Al Horford does not appear bound for the Lakers

In a radio appearance on ESPN LA, Dave McMenamin, an NBA reporter for the Worldwide Leader, addressed the Los Angeles Lakers’ effort to upgrade at the center position.

While doing so, he said of the prospect of the former Florida Gator joining the purple and gold: “I don’t think that’s going to happen with Horford.”

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported the market for the 18-year veteran consists of the Celtics, Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.

After the first round of the NBA Draft, Brad Stevens declared that retaining Horford and Kornet was of chief importance.

“There’s no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” said Boston’s president of basketball operations. “Those guys are huge parts of this organization. They’re going to have, I’m sure, plenty of options all over the place, and that’s well deserved, but I think that would be a priority. At the same time, I don’t want to put pressure on them. It’s their call ultimately, but yeah, we would love to have those guys back.”

However, Kornet is signing with the San Antonio Spurs. Horford could soon be on his way out the door as well due to the franchise’s circumstances.

As for the other teams reportedly in the mix for Horford, Denver dealt for Jonas Valanciunas; New York has an agreement in place with Guerschon Yabusele, and Cleveland is reportedly signing Larry Nance Jr. That leaves Golden State.

Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game last season. He also made 36.3 percent of the 5.2 threes he launched. He could pair well with Draymond Green, mesh with Stephen Curry, and help the Warriors return to championship contention. Granted, the Western Conference figures to be a gauntlet.

The prospect of what Horford, 39, could accomplish in the Bay Area may prove too compelling for him to commit this summer to ending his career in Boston.