Calls Mount for Al Horford to Change Decision After Jonas Valanciunas News
Boston Celtics center Al Horford still remains a free agent days after NBA Free Agency started. While it hasn't been made official, all signs point toward an eventual agreement with the Golden State Warriors. That said, the latest news about Jonas Valanciunas could impact things.
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After the Denver Nuggets acquired Valanciunas from the Sacramento Kings, the Lithuanian center has since been coveted by the Greek Professional Basketball team Panathinaikos. According to Marc Stein, Valanciunas now wants to leave the NBA to play overseas.
If and when he does this, the Nuggets will have a hole in the backup center spot. Even though Nikola Jokic has won three of the last five MVPs, he will need rest, so Denver will have to find another player who can back him up while he sits on the bench.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42)Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-USA TODAY Sports
The one player who could do that is Horford. For the last two seasons in Boston, Horford has switched between starting and coming off the bench, only doing the latter when Kristaps Porzingis couldn't play. At 39 years old, an even smaller role in Denver could further conserve Horford, as the Celtics have done.
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Stein and Jake Fischer reported late on July 3, "All signs, for the record, continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State … eventually."
That's why many have pleaded for Horford to change this decision and pick Denver instead.
"Just sign Al Horford, and go find a way to get a backup point guard, and the Nuggets are still winning it all," one wrote.
"I need Jonas situation to be official so Nuggets can throw that bag at Horford," another wrote.
"In my opinion, Al Horford should play on the Nuggets and not with the Warriors or Lakers," another stated. "But that's just one man's opinion."
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"If the Nuggets end up with Horford because of this that's even better…" one responded to the Valanciunas news.
If Valanciunas gives all the money back from his current NBA contract to Denver, they would have the full mid-level exception to offer Horford.
Related: New Development on Al Horford's Warriors-Lakers Decision
Related: LeBron James Sends 1-Word Message After Cavaliers Trade Rumors
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
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