Shams Charania of ESPN has finally reported that the Golden State Warriors have received a multi-year commitment from veteran free-agent center Al Horford. While he did not report the terms, which presumably remain stalled by the Jonathan Kuminga situation, the most logical scenario is that Horford will receive a two-year deal using the taxpayer mid-level exception that includes a player option for the second year. While there are legitimate questions about the impact Horford can make at 39-years
old, he’s still the most proven center the Warriors have had since DeMarcus Cousins’ brief stint with the team back in 2018-19.
The rumors and speculation around Horford joining the Warriors has been so consistent for months that it’s among the most expected signings in league history. Still, at his age, there were murmurs that he had not ruled out retirement. Nevertheless, the report from Shams confirms that Golden State will not be waiting in vain for the five-time All-Star.
Horford has already arguably had a Hall of Fame career. He was a starter on two National Championship teams during his college career at Florida and has had an excellent 18-year NBA career. However, the Warriors expectations for Horford’s impact are far smaller than that could suggest given his age (he turned 39 in June). Still, Horford was the Celtics starting center last season, averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game on 42.3%/36.3%/89.5% shooting with excellent on/off stats for the 61-21 squad.
Horford’s on/off splits took a significant step back once the Celtics reached the postseason, with Boston performing far better with younger big man Luke Kornet on the floor. However, the Warriors would happily take that exchange since they plan to rely far more heavily on Draymond Green as a small-ball center in the postseason.
Horford was long been expected to retire with the Celtics, who he helped win a championship in 2024, but Jayson Tatum’s Achilles’ injury opened the door to a change in pursuit of one more title. Golden State hopes to deliver. Horford is expected to immediately become the Warriors starting center, presumably flanked by Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, Brandin Podziemski, and Steph Curry (although Podziemski and possibly even Green’s spots could be up in the air). He will give the Dubs a proven stretch five who is a capable rebounder and sound defender, an excellent compliment to his young backups Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis. It’s also worth noting that Horford became exactly the type of center that the Warriors hope Post can become.
