The Golden State Warriors have been linked to veteran center Al Horford all summer.
Warriors Bracing for Al Horford News as Retirement Decision Nears originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
The Golden State Warriors have had a surprisingly quiet offseason, with no major moves to shake up their roster or make a splash in free agency. Following last season’s second round exit to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Golden State is poised to maintain its core of Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. However, the team is also looking at strengthening its roster in hopes of competing for a championship next season.
With the Warriors losing big man Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans, they currently lack depth in the frontcourt. And while the franchise has kept its cards close to its chest, one notable move the Warriors have been linked to all summer is the addition of veteran center and NBA free agent Al Horford.
Warriors Bracing for Al Horford Move, per ESPN
Horford, a five-time All-Star and NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, has been a well-known target for the Warriors since free agency opened. The 39-year-old veteran, who averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on 42.3% shooting in 60 games last season, brings versatility that aligns with Golden State’s system. His floor-spacing ability, with a career 37.7% from three, and defensive IQ would complement Curry and Green, reducing Green’s regular-season workload at center.
However, Horford is still mulling over retirement. With training camps set to begin next month, his final decision on whether to play a 19th NBA season is nearing. That said, despite this uncertainty, the Warriors are bracing for some good news on that front.
According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Golden State is operating under the belief Horford will eventually be a Warrior.
“Horford is comfortable waiting," Slater began. "Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season.”
Jonathan Kuminga has continued to indicate to those around him that the qualifying offer path has more appeal to him than the one-plus-one (team option) the Warriors put on the table.
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) August 11, 2025
Quick update on some of the remaining free agents https://t.co/MuTubuvZeF
According to Slater, the Warriors still view Horford as their presumed starting center, valuing his passing and shooting. However, Horford’s non-committal stance post-Celtics’ 2025 playoff exit, saying he needs time with family, keeps retirement a possibility.
Warriors are Still Waiting on Jonathan Kuminga
The Warriors’ pursuit of Horford hinges on resolving Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency. Kuminga, a 22-year-old forward, averaged 16.1 points and 4.8 rebounds in 2024-25, and carries a $22.9 million cap hold with a $7.9 million qualifying offer extended.
Kuminga rejected a two-year, $45 million offer from the Warriors and there have been growing interest from teams like the Sacramento Kings for a sign-and-trade, per ESPN’s Shams Charania and Slater, and his desire for a larger role has complicated negotiations. Golden State’s reluctance to commit to Kuminga long-term, wary of luxury tax penalties under the NBA’s new CBA, has delayed Horford’s signing and other moves, keeping their roster in limbo.
At the moment, it appears the Warriors are happy to wait until Kuminga's situation is resolved before adding Horford to their roster.
Related: Al Horford to Warriors Receives Update After Jonathan Kuminga News
Related: NBA Star Steph Curry Announces Personal News on Friday
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Aug 11, 2025, where it first appeared.
Category: Basketball
