NBA Teams Pursue signing of Al Horford amidst speculation about Golden State Warriors' interest
Al Horford, the experienced centre who spent the past seven years with the Boston Celtics, is currently an unrestricted free agent. Despite the Celtics offering him a contract, the situation remains uncertain as Horford deliberates his future moves, according to team President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens [2].
Horford is reportedly in negotiations with several teams, including the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks [3]. The Warriors, who recently lost Kevon Looney in free agency, have emerged as a strong contender for Horford's services, with some insiders suggesting that his signing with Golden State is a "foregone conclusion" [2].
If Horford joins the Warriors, he would bring valuable experience and depth to the team. His presence could fill a void at the centre position and allow the Warriors to manage the minutes of Draymond Green more effectively [4]. This move would also align with the Warriors' strategy of maintaining a competitive roster while managing the careers of their aging stars [4].
However, Horford is not in a rush to make a decision, suggesting that he is carefully considering his options. This approach allows him to weigh the benefits of each potential team and find the best fit for his career goals [5]. The potential retirement of Horford adds an element of uncertainty to his future in the NBA.
In the 2024-25 season with Boston, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 27.7 minutes per contest. He also shot 42.3% from the field, 36.3% from deep, and a career-best 89.5% at the foul line [6]. Horford's impact on the Celtics' younger players is noted, particularly in terms of leadership.
The departure of Horford, along with the Kristaps Porzingis trade and Luke Kornet signing with the San Antonio Spurs, has resulted in the exit of three centres from the Boston Celtics this offseason. Stevens, the Celtics' general manager, considers Horford an all-time Celtic and a winner who did everything for the organization [7].
As the NBA offseason unfolds, the fate of Al Horford remains uncertain. Whether he continues his illustrious career or chooses to retire, his decision will undoubtedly impact several teams and shape the landscape of the league.
Sources: [1] ESPN. (2025). Al Horford declines to discuss his future with Celtics. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35398466/al-horford-declines-discuss-future-celtics [2] The Athletic. (2025). Celtics aiming for cost-cutting summer, but Horford departure 'unlikely'. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3129622/2025/07/01/celtics-aiming-for-cost-cutting-summer-but-horford-departure-unlikely/ [3] ESPN. (2025). Horford considered by multiple teams, including Warriors, Lakers, Bucks and Hawks. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/35400748/horford-considered-multiple-teams-including-warriors-lakers-bucks-hawks [4] NBC Sports Bay Area. (2025). Al Horford to Warriors would be a smart move, but is it a done deal? Retrieved from https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/warriors/al-horford-to-warriors-would-be-a-smart-move-but-is-it-a-done-deal [5] The Boston Globe. (2025). Al Horford not in a rush to make a decision on his future. Retrieved from https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2025/07/02/al-horford-not-rush-make-decision-future/ [6] Basketball Reference. (2025). Al Horford 2024-25 Player Stats. Retrieved from https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/h/horforal01.html [7] The Boston Globe. (2025). Brad Stevens on Al Horford: 'He's an all-time Celtic'. Retrieved from https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/celtics/2025/07/03/brad-stevens-al-horford-hes-all-time-celtic/
- The Golden State Warriors, one of several teams in negotiations with Al Horford, are reportedlyclose to securing his services, with some suggesting his signing with the Warriors is a "foregone conclusion."
- If Horford joins the Warriors, his experience and skills could fill a void at the center position, allowing the team to manage the minutes of Draymond Green more effectively, and align with the Warriors' strategy of maintaining a competitive roster while managing the careers of their aging stars.
- In the 2024-25 season with the Boston Celtics, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest, displaying his versatility and impact on the court.
