he Golden State Warriors have set their sights on 39-year-old veteran Al Horford—the Boston Celtics big man with a $60 million contract—to add experience, shooting range, and leadership to their frontcourt.
Why Horford appeals to Golden State:
- Shooting and frontcourt versatility
Horford continues to stretch the floor—averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and shooting 36.3% from three-point range last season.
His ability to hit from deep aligns beautifully with the Warriors’ motion-offense and maximizes spacing for Curry and the wings. - Veteran IQ, stability, and mentorship
With five All-Star nods, All-NBA and All-Defensive honors, plus a championship under his belt, Horford brings savvy, calm leadership.
He can mentor younger bigs like Quinten Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis—crucial given their postseason struggles. - Roster fit and strategic need
After a playoff exit capped by Curry’s hamstring injury, the Warriors are targeting a reliable, two-way big to fortify depth and playoff readiness.
His addition would compliment the mix of youth and star power, balancing present contention with future flexibility.
The trade-off: age and cap complexity
At 39 and nearing 40, Horford’s age poses a risk—declining production or injury could limit value.
Moreover, the Warriors’ pursuit of Horford hinges on resolving their cap logjam—most notably the situation with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, whose $22.9 million cap hold restricts flexibility.
Bottom line:
The Warriors’ interest in Al Horford is calculated. They’re chasing immediate impact through elite shooting and basketball IQ, mentorship for a young core, and playoff credible depth. Yet, it comes with cap complications and age-related risks. The outcome likely hinges on how the Kuminga contract saga resolves—and whether Golden State can clear enough space to bring Horford aboard.
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