Former Boston Celtics center Al Horford is projected to sign the non-taxpayer MLE with the Golden State Warriors, according to ESPN.
A Seismic Shift in the NBA Landscape
The NBA offseason has delivered yet another bombshell, as reports from ESPN indicate that veteran center Al Horford, a longtime staple of the Boston Celtics, is poised to sign with the Golden State Warriors using their taxpayer mid-level exception (MLE), valued at approximately $5.7 million. This move, which has been brewing behind the scenes all summer, has sent shockwaves through the league, leaving fans, analysts, and insiders buzzing about its implications for both franchises and the broader Western Conference hierarchy.
Horford, now 39, became a free agent on July 1 after his two-year contract extension with the Celtics expired. While many expected the five-time All-Star to remain in Boston, where he has been a beloved figure and a key contributor to their 2022 NBA Finals run, recent developments have shifted the narrative. The Warriors, fresh off a strong 23-8 finish to the 2024-25 season after acquiring Jimmy Butler at the trade deadline, are now positioning themselves as a legitimate championship contender—and Horford could be the final piece to their dynastic puzzle.
Why Horford’s Move Makes Sense
The decision for Horford to join Golden State comes at a pivotal moment for both the player and the Celtics. Boston’s outlook for the 2025-26 season took a devastating hit with Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, which has cast serious doubts on their ability to compete for a title. For Horford, who has already cemented his legacy with a championship ring in 2024, the opportunity to chase another title in what may be his final NBA season is a compelling one.
Golden State, on the other hand, offers a far more promising stage for Horford to showcase his veteran leadership and versatile skill set. The Warriors’ acquisition of Butler last season transformed them into one of the league’s most formidable teams, despite their playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves without an injured Stephen Curry. With Curry expected to return healthy and Butler anchoring the roster, Horford’s addition as a floor-spacing big man with championship experience could elevate the Warriors to new heights in a stacked Western Conference.
Horford’s fit with Golden State is seamless. His ability to stretch the floor with his three-point shooting (39.2% from deep in the 2024-25 season), anchor the defense, and provide playoff-tested intangibles makes him an ideal complement to Curry’s shooting, Butler’s tenacity, and Draymond Green’s playmaking. The Warriors’ fast-paced, motion-heavy offense will benefit from Horford’s high basketball IQ and ability to make smart reads in pick-and-roll situations.
The Kuminga Stalemate and the Domino Effect
The delay in finalizing Horford’s deal stems from Golden State’s ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater, both sides are locked in a standoff, with neither willing to budge. The Warriors view Kuminga as a cornerstone of their future, but resolving his contract is a prerequisite to unlocking their remaining roster moves, including Horford’s signing.
Once the Kuminga situation is resolved, the Warriors are expected to move swiftly to secure Horford with their taxpayer MLE. This financial commitment, while modest compared to Horford’s past contracts, underscores Golden State’s strategic approach to roster-building: prioritizing high-impact veterans who can contribute immediately without breaking the bank.
A Bitter Pill for Celtics Fans
For Boston fans, Horford’s departure is a gut punch. The Dominican big man has been a cornerstone of the Celtics’ resurgence, providing leadership and stability through multiple playoff runs. His exit to join the Warriors—the same team that defeated Boston in the 2022 NBA Finals—adds an extra layer of sting. The optics of Horford teaming up with Butler, a longtime playoff nemesis from his Miami Heat days, only deepen the sense of betrayal for some fans.
Yet, it’s hard to fault Horford for chasing another ring. At 39, his window to compete at the highest level is closing, and Boston’s uncertain outlook makes Golden State an attractive destination. Celtics fans may find solace in rooting for Horford from afar, especially as their team navigates a challenging season without Tatum.
What This Means for the Warriors and the West
If Horford’s signing comes to fruition, the Warriors will solidify their status as one of the Western Conference’s elite teams. A starting lineup featuring Curry, Butler, Green, Horford, and a yet-to-be-determined fifth piece (potentially Kuminga or Andrew Wiggins) would be a nightmare for opponents. The combination of Curry’s shooting, Butler’s two-way dominance, Green’s defensive versatility, and Horford’s spacing and IQ could make Golden State a matchup problem for even the deepest teams in the West, such as the Timberwolves, Nuggets, or Thunder.
The move also signals Golden State’s intent to maximize Curry’s prime while transitioning into a new era of contention. With Butler’s arrival last season and Horford’s potential addition, the Warriors are doubling down on their championship pedigree, blending their dynastic core with battle-tested veterans.
A New Chapter for Horford
For Horford, this move represents a chance to cap his illustrious career with another deep playoff run. His journey from Atlanta to Boston, and now potentially to Golden State, is a testament to his adaptability and enduring value as a player. While Celtics fans may mourn his departure, the broader NBA world is buzzing with excitement at the prospect of seeing Horford don the Warriors’ blue and gold.
As the Kuminga negotiations inch toward resolution, all eyes will be on Golden State to see how this blockbuster move comes together. One thing is certain: Al Horford’s decision to join the Warriors has the potential to reshape the NBA’s competitive landscape, setting the stage for a thrilling 2025-26 season.