A significant development has emerged regarding the future of Al Horford, the veteran center whose free agency status has been one of the more closely watched sagas in the NBA offseason. After a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics’ recent championship run, speculation surrounding Horford’s next move has been rampant, with an NBA insider now shedding light on his impending decision.
Horford, a cornerstone for the Boston Celtics for several seasons, notably stepped into a more prominent starting role during the 2024 and 2025 playoffs, largely due to the absence of an injured Kristaps Porzingis. His invaluable contributions, particularly in the 2024 NBA Finals, underscored his adaptability and importance to Boston’s success, making his free agency a point of considerable interest across the league.
Despite his age at 39, the 6-foot-9 product out of Florida was initially seen as one of the most intriguing big men available in the 2024 NBA Free Agency class. However, the market for centers and power forwards, including Horford, has experienced an unexpected slowdown, leaving many to wonder about the underlying reasons for this stagnation.
The mystery surrounding Horford’s free agency has now been dispelled by Marc J. Spears of Andscape/ESPN. Spears’ revelation confirms what many have suspected: Al Horford is all but certain to sign with the Golden State Warriors, marking a definitive departure from the Boston Celtics this summer, a significant move for both the player and the two franchises.
The delay in Horford’s anticipated move to the Golden State Warriors is intricately linked to the contractual situation of 22-year-old power forward Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga recently rejected a two-season, $45 million offer from Golden State, creating a ripple effect that impacts other potential signings, including Horford’s. This dependency highlights the complex nature of NBA Free Agency negotiations.
Even entering his 19th NBA season, Al Horford continues to demonstrate elite skills for his position. He remains an exceptional passer, a remarkably versatile scorer, and a respected defender capable of guarding both power forwards and centers effectively. His consistent high-level play, despite the ticking clock of his career, underscores his value in today’s league, making him a sought-after asset.
During his last healthy season with the Boston Celtics, a team that finished with an impressive 61-21 record, Horford played in 60 games, starting 42 of them. He averaged 9.0 points on efficient shooting splits (.423/.363/.895), complemented by 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.6 steals over 27.7 minutes per game. These statistics highlight his all-around contribution to a championship-contending team.
While his age does present a theoretical injury risk, Horford has largely avoided significant absences throughout his career. He has played over 70 games only once in the last nine years, but consistently played no fewer than 60 games, with the exception of the 2020-21 season when he was sidelined by the Oklahoma City Thunder for trade considerations. This reliability is a key factor in his appeal to contending teams.
The Golden State Warriors stand to significantly benefit from Horford’s arrival, especially his floor-spacing ability and defensive prowess. Even at this stage of his career, Horford would instantly become Golden State’s premier traditional big man center, offering a much-needed interior presence and rebounding boost, especially given Draymond Green often playing out of position at the five by necessity. This move, if finalized, would be a major development in the NBA Rumors landscape.
