The Golden State Warriors have some important decisions to make this summer after Steve Kerr signed a new two-year contract. Several players could enter free agency, including Al Horford, who has a player option for next season.
Speaking on Friday’s press conference, Kerr and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. discussed the possibility of bringing back Horford if he becomes a free agent. The Warriors are interested in welcoming him back to the Bay Area, but the ball is in his court.
“You know, Al has an option. I think frankly his option is two-fold: One, do you want to keep playing? Two, do you want to be back with the Warriors?”
“I had an exit meeting with Al a couple of days after the season ended. Obviously, we want him back. It’s his option with the player option. I know he really enjoys it here. I know his family loves it here. I’m hoping he’s back.”
Horford signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the Warriors last summer, with a player option for the second season. He had a solid first season in Golden State, especially at his age.
He averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. However, he was limited to 45 games due to injuries, though he had a memorable performance in the NBA Play-In Tournament against the Los Angeles Clippers.
Now, Horford is facing a decision that could define the final chapter of his Hall of Fame career. Will he return for a 20th NBA season? Will he exercise his player option to stay with the Warriors? Or will he finally hang up his sneakers and ride off into the sunset?
Let’s break down what Horford is weighing, why the Warriors want him back, and what his decision means for Golden State’s offseason plans.
The Horford Season: A Solid Veteran Presence
Let’s start with what Horford delivered in his first year with Golden State.
At 39 years old, Horford played in 45 games. He averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. Those aren’t eye-popping numbers, but they’re solid for a rotational big man.
More importantly, Horford brought something that doesn’t show up in the box score: leadership, professionalism, and playoff experience. He’s been to the mountaintop. He knows what it takes to win.
In the Play-In Tournament against the Clippers, Horford had a memorable performance that reminded everyone why he’s still valuable. He hit big shots. He defended. He made winning plays.
The Warriors saw enough to want him back.
The Kerr and Dunleavy Quotes: “We Want Him Back”
Let’s go back to what the Warriors’ leadership said.
Mike Dunleavy was clear: the ball is in Horford’s court. The Warriors want him back, but they understand that Horford has to make the decision that’s best for him and his family.
Steve Kerr was even more direct: “Obviously, we want him back. I know he really enjoys it here. I know his family loves it here. I’m hoping he’s back.”
That’s not coach-speak. That’s genuine. Kerr has always valued veteran leadership. He’s always valued players who understand the game. Horford is both.
The Horford Quote: “Not Rushing to Anything”
Let’s go to the player himself.
During his exit interview last month, Horford explained that he’s going to take some time to make a decision about his future.
“It has to do with not rushing to anything or not let emotions or heat of the moment determine anything. I’ve done this the last few years, and it’s just kind of taken time to step back and have a clear picture, look at the outlook of the team, looking at the future of the team, how things look, and also seeing kind of where I’m at and how I’m feeling.”
That’s a player who understands the weight of the decision. Horford has been mulling retirement for the past few years. Each season, he asks himself the same questions: Does my body feel good? Do I still love the work? Does my family support me continuing?
This year, the calculus is the same.
The 20-Year Club: One More Season Away
Let’s talk about the milestone.
Horford is one season away from joining the 20-year club. Only 40 players in NBA history have played 20 or more seasons. The list includes legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Dirk Nowitzki, and Kevin Garnett.
That’s elite company. That’s the kind of legacy that matters to a competitor like Horford.
Does he care about the milestone? He’s never said so publicly, but it’s hard to imagine it doesn’t matter. Twenty seasons is a testament to longevity, durability, and professionalism.
If Horford returns for one more season, he’ll join that exclusive club.
The Family Factor: What His Wife and Kids Think
Let’s talk about the human side.
Horford has made it clear that his family’s opinion matters. He has young children. He has a wife who has supported him throughout his career.
The grind of an NBA season is brutal. The travel, the practices, the games, the time away from home. At 40 years old, that grind doesn’t get easier.
If Horford’s family wants him to retire, he’ll retire. If they support him playing another year, he’ll play.
That’s the reality for a veteran at this stage of his career.
The Porzingis Factor: Another Big Man Decision
Let’s not forget about Kristaps Porzingis.
The Warriors acquired Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks at the trade deadline in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield. He played in just 15 regular-season games, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks.
He also continued to endure a respiratory illness that has been hounding him over the past two seasons.
The Warriors are interested in bringing back Porzingis as well. But his situation is different. He’s younger (30). He’s a free agent. He’ll command more money.
If the Warriors bring back both Horford and Porzingis, they’ll have a veteran frontcourt rotation. If they lose one, they’ll need to find a replacement.
Horford’s decision will impact Porzingis’s decision, and vice versa.
The Warriors’ Frontcourt: What Losing Horford Would Mean
Let’s look at the depth chart.
If Horford leaves, the Warriors’ frontcourt becomes thinner. They would have Porzingis (if re-signed), Draymond Green (who plays center in small lineups), and young players like Trayce Jackson-Davis.
That’s not a championship-caliber frontcourt. That’s a group with question marks.
If Horford returns, the Warriors have a reliable, veteran big man who can play 20 minutes a night, stretch the floor, protect the rim, and mentor young players.
That’s valuable.
The Money: The Player Option and Cap Implications
Let’s talk about the finances.
Horford has a player option for next season worth approximately $5-6 million. That’s not a massive number. The Warriors can easily absorb it.
If Horford declines his option, he could become a free agent. He could sign with another team. He could retire.
The Warriors would then have to find another veteran big man to fill his role.
The money isn’t the issue. The decision is.
What Horford Will Likely Do
Let’s make a prediction.
Horford loves playing for the Warriors. He loves playing with Curry, Green, and Butler. He loves the organization. His family loves the Bay Area.
He’s also one season away from the 20-year club. That’s a milestone that matters.
Barring a family decision to retire, Horford will likely exercise his player option and return to Golden State for one more season.
He’ll turn 40. He’ll play limited minutes. He’ll provide veteran leadership. He’ll chase one more championship.
And then, after the season, he’ll ride off into the sunset.
The Golden State Warriors want Al Horford back. Steve Kerr said it. Mike Dunleavy said it. The organization has made its position clear.
Now, the ball is in Horford’s court.
He’s turning 40. He’s mulling retirement. He’s considering whether his body can handle another 82-game grind. He’s talking to his family.
But he also loves playing for the Warriors. He loves the camaraderie. He loves the chase.
One more season would put him in the 20-year club – a select group of legends who have played two decades in the NBA.
The Warriors are hoping he decides to return. They’re not pressuring him. They’re letting him take his time.
But everyone in the Bay Area is waiting.
Al Horford will make his decision soon. And when he does, the Warriors will be ready – whether he’s in a uniform or watching from home.