The Denver Nuggets’ offseason appeared masterfully orchestrated simply days in the past. The franchise had addressed a number of roster wants via strategic strikes: buying Cam Johnson through commerce, re-signing Bruce Brown, including Tim Hardaway Jr., and seemingly fixing their persistent backup heart drawback by agreeing to accumulate Jonas Valančiūnas from Sacramento.
However the plan unraveled when Valančiūnas reportedly selected to signal abroad with Greek membership Panathinaikos as an alternative of becoming a member of Denver. This sudden reversal has pressured the Nuggets to pivot rapidly, with their consideration now turning to a veteran answer that would present the soundness they desperately want behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokić.
Al Horford Emerges as Denver’s Major Goal After Jonas Valančiūnas Departure
Denver is reportedly anticipated to make a critical run at Al Horford in free company after all of the sudden being left with no backup heart. The 39-year-old veteran might be an ideal match for a Nuggets group that has struggled for years to seek out dependable depth behind Jokić.
“With the Nuggets now as soon as once more with no backup heart, they’re extensively anticipated to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free company. The Warriors and Lakers are the one groups at the moment within the Horford sweepstakes, however Denver would immediately supply him an essential rotation function,” NBA analyst Evan Sidery wrote on X.
With the Nuggets now as soon as once more with no backup heart, they’re extensively anticipated to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free company.
The Warriors and Lakers are the one groups at the moment within the Horford sweepstakes, however Denver would immediately supply him an essential rotation function. pic.twitter.com/m6KQmMmA9N
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 4, 2025
The surprising twist got here after reviews indicated Valančiūnas is planning to signal a three-year, €12 million deal with Greek membership Panathinaikos. This improvement exposes the fragility of Denver’s roster development, because the franchise finds itself again at sq. one with the identical drawback that has plagued them for a number of seasons.
Denver’s place within the Horford sweepstakes has strengthened significantly. The crew nonetheless holds the complete $14.1 million non-taxpayer midlevel exception, offering the monetary flexibility to make a aggressive supply. The Los Angeles Lakers not too long ago signed Deandre Ayton, so it’s unclear if they’re nonetheless within the combine for Horford, leaving the Nuggets and Golden State Warriors as the first suitors for the five-time All-Star’s companies.
Horford’s Championship Expertise May Rework Denver’s Playoff Depth
At 39, Horford is weighing his future, with retirement reportedly on the desk alongside potential NBA locations. Nonetheless, Denver’s championship aspirations and clear rotation function might show compelling components in his decision-making course of. His championship expertise with Boston, mixed together with his defensive versatility and basketball IQ, would deal with a number of areas the place the Nuggets have struggled in latest playoff runs.
The Nuggets discovered pricey classes final season in regards to the significance of frontcourt depth. Dario Šarić’s inconsistent play pressured coach Michael Malone to deploy Aaron Gordon at heart throughout prolonged stretches, disrupting the crew’s most popular rotations and exposing defensive vulnerabilities.
Whereas the roster options growing bigs like Zeke Nnaji and rookie DaRon Holmes II, neither has confirmed able to offering constant minutes in high-stakes conditions.
Horford’s 2024-25 manufacturing — 9.0 factors, 6.2 rebounds, and a couple of.1 assists per sport — displays effectivity slightly than quantity. His true worth lies in his capacity to protect a number of positions, stretch the ground with three-point capturing, and facilitate ball motion. These abilities complement Jokić’s offensive system completely, because the Serbian star thrives when surrounded by clever gamers who perceive spacing and ball motion.
The five-time All-Star’s offensive rebounding stays underrated. He quietly creates second-chance alternatives that show decisive in playoff environments. His presence would enable Denver to take care of its tempo and elegance even when Jokić rests, one thing it has struggled to attain persistently.
Golden State stays in competition for Horford’s companies, however Denver’s championship window and outlined function might show decisive. The Nuggets can supply speedy playoff relevance and a transparent path to significant minutes, components which will enchantment to a veteran contemplating his closing NBA chapter.
