Nuggets ‘Widely Expected’ To Pursue Celtics Star In Free Agency
Another NBA contender has joined the free agent sweepstakes for a Boston Celtics five-time All-Star.
Celtics fans have been bracing themselves in recent days with reports surfacing that the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are pursuing NBA champion center Al Horford.
It’s understood that Horford, 39, is looking to join a team with a chance to compete for a title in 2025-26. The Stein Line’s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer revealed on Thursday that the Warriors were closing in on Horford, but Golden State might have some company in the form of the Denver Nuggets. Denver suddenly needs a backup center after its trade for Jonas Valančiūnas turned sour — Valančiūnas is reportedly seeking an escape from his NBA contract to join Greek club Panathinaikos, per Stein.
“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,” Stein posted to X. “The Nuggets’ consolation: They would gain access to their full MLE.”
The Valančiūnas outcome could have the direct consequence of Denver pursuing Horford, as noted by Forbes’ Evan Sidery.
“With the Nuggets now once again without a backup center, they are widely expected to pivot to pursuing Al Horford in free agency,” Sidery wrote. “The Warriors and Lakers are the only teams currently in the Horford sweepstakes, but Denver would instantly offer him an important rotation role.”
Horford would be a seamless fit on the Nuggets alongside three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokić. Horford would serve as an effective backup center for Denver but could also feature well in double-big lineups with Jokić.
The Nuggets aren’t messing around this offseason. Denver’s front office has already addressed the team’s depth issue by re-acquiring 2023 NBA champion Bruce Brown. The Nuggets also upgraded at starting small forward by swapping out Michael Porter Jr. for Cam Johnson.
The Horford piece would be another brilliant addition to Denver’s championship puzzle.
Horford’s destiny could become known as early as Sunday.