Journeyman careers are wild. One minute you’re a top-75 legend collecting jerseys like stamps, the next you’re just another name in the league’s long list of forgotten souls. So where does Jonas Valanciunas land? Right in that sweet, blurry middle. The big man clocked in with five NBA teams and just got shipped to the Nuggets in a flurry of Free Agency fever. But the plot thickens—rumor has it Greece is on the line, and they’re not just calling, they’re wooing. While Denver sees him as their Jokic backup fix, the Greek League’s waving a fat contract.

Jonas Valanciunas has built a career by grinding. Drafted fifth overall in 2011, he stormed into Toronto as a high-upside big and quickly became a nightly double-double machine. In Memphis, he hit his peak, putting up 19.9 points and 10.7 rebounds per game in 2018/19, though he had limited game appearances, but his stats never hit the rock. So, now with a deal in place, will he stay or stray?

“Once the trade is finalized, we’ll put together the plan for the trip to Denver. The team will outline how they see the situation, medicals, and all the details. That part is up to the them,” he said to BasketNews. There’s a lot for Denver to think about now, anyway. They have to make a championship team to give Nikola Jokic the place in history he deserves. “Can it be said that you’ll be playing in Denver next season?” asked the reporters to Jonas. And his answer was as nonchalant as ever.

“You can say whatever you want — people have already said plenty,” Valanciunas said with a laugh. “The whole thing blew up like a bubble.” He is adjusted to these moves now. Loyalty? He isn’t answerable for the teams moving him. The Toronto Raptors sent him packing in 2019, flipping him for Marc Gasol, who grabbed a title that same season. Tough. In New Orleans, he played solid ball, but Zion Williaonson’s drama and coaching shifts buried his buzz. But Jonas never slowed down. He stayed healthy, hit 56% from the floor, and even stretched his range to knock down threes.

Now, with a fresh start in Denver and a contender behind him, he’s not looking back. He’s chasing relevance, rings, and maybe—finally—some overdue respect. But will the Denver front office think the same? They’re really testing Jokic’s patience with the squad – with more lows than highs. Sure, that 2023 season was historic. But you can’t let the Serbian see the NBA in the rearview mirror with nothing to show for it, right? So if they’re prioritizing immediate success, there could be another huge free agent on the cards.

Nuggets could have Al Horford line up if Jonas Valanciunas leaves

Al Horford’s time in Boston might just be ticking down. The veteran big man and locker room glue has been a steadying force for the Celtics, but with the franchise eyeing a reset—and Jayson Tatum working his way back from an Achilles tear—change could be brewing. Rumors are swirling that Horford might be on the move yet again, possibly landing with a squad that needs veteran presence and playoff poise.

At 38, he’s not the rim-runner he once was. But his basketball IQ, floor spacing, and leadership still make him a valuable piece. This summer could be his next pivot. Pivot to where though? As said earlier, he’s 38. There’s not a lot of water he could dip his feet in. He’s said to have contemplated retirement too. So if he’s to go out with a hurrah, why not with the Mile-Highers?

“Al Horford will be making his decision between the Nuggets and Warriors on his next team. If Jonas Valanciunas is intent on leaving for Europe, Horford becomes an extremely enticing option for Denver. Currently, Golden State is viewed as the favorite for Horford’s services,” said Evan Sidery on X.

Getting Jonas Valanciunas off the books would be heartbreaking, even if he desires to leave. It’ll just taste that much sweeter for him to leave with a ring. Because there’s no shot, the Lithuanian’s going to get a look in after his 30th birthday if he doesn’t think twice of an exit from the Association. But if he does leave, is Al Horford the right man for the job?