The NBA offseason is abuzz with speculation as Al Horford, the 39-year-old veteran center and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, remains unsigned in free agency. Initially expected to join the Golden State Warriors, Horford’s decision has been delayed, opening the door for other contenders like the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks. With playoff aspirations driving each team and Horford’s storied career nearing its twilight, his next move could reshape the NBA landscape. Let’s dive into the latest developments, the teams vying for his signature, and what this means for Horford’s legacy and the league.
The Stalled Warriors Deal and New Contenders
Al Horford was widely expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors last week, with many assuming the delay was tied to financial negotiations, potentially involving Jonathan Kuminga’s contract. However, NBA insider Marc Spears revealed on NBA Today on July 14, 2025, that Horford has yet to commit, surprising those who saw Golden State as the frontrunner. “Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn’t,” Spears said, adding that the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks have now entered the race for the veteran center.
This development has shifted the narrative. Earlier reports suggested the competition was primarily between the Warriors and Lakers, but the emergence of the Bucks and Hawks has complicated the process. Each of these teams has playoff ambitions and a need for a reliable center, making Horford—a five-time All-Star with a proven track record—an attractive target. His performance last season with the Celtics (9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 36.3% from three) demonstrates his ability to contribute to a contending team, even at nearly 40.
Why the Delay? Horford’s Priorities
Horford’s hesitation suggests he’s prioritizing fit over finances. Having earned significant money throughout his 18-year career, including $9.5 million last season, Horford is likely focused on joining a team that aligns with his championship aspirations and personal circumstances. Spears noted that Horford is also considering retirement, with the impending birth of his sixth child and his offseason homes in Atlanta and Boston playing a role in his decision. The distance from family could be a factor, particularly for teams like the Warriors and Lakers, which would require relocation to the West Coast.
The Atlanta Hawks present a unique appeal as a potential homecoming. Horford spent nine seasons with the Hawks earlier in his career, earning four All-Star selections and establishing deep ties to the city, where he resides in the offseason. A return to Atlanta could allow him to stay close to family while contributing to a team looking to climb the Eastern Conference standings. Meanwhile, the Bucks, fresh off signing Myles Turner, aim to bolster their frontcourt to challenge top Eastern teams like the Philadelphia 76ers. The Lakers, with LeBron James at the helm, and the Warriors, led by Stephen Curry, offer high-profile opportunities to chase another title.
The Stakes for Each Team
Each suitor brings distinct motivations to the table:
Golden State Warriors: After defeating the Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals, the Warriors see Horford as a key piece to complement Curry’s playstyle. His floor-spacing ability and defensive versatility would fit seamlessly into Steve Kerr’s system, but their failure to secure him last week raises questions about their position in the race.
Los Angeles Lakers: The Lakers, the Celtics’ arch-rivals, are eager to add Horford’s veteran presence to their roster. His addition could provide the depth needed to support LeBron James and Anthony Davis in their quest for another championship, but their nearly full roster may complicate negotiations.
Milwaukee Bucks: With Damian Lillard waived to make room for Turner, the Bucks are rebuilding their core to remain Eastern Conference contenders. Horford’s experience and leadership could stabilize their frontcourt and help them leapfrog a weakened Celtics team.
Atlanta Hawks: The Hawks, coming off a challenging season, view Horford as a veteran leader who can mentor their young core while contributing on both ends of the court. The emotional pull of returning to Atlanta could be a deciding factor.
The Broader NBA Context
Horford’s free agency saga comes at a pivotal moment for the NBA. The Celtics, his former team, are navigating a difficult offseason with Jayson Tatum sidelined for 2025-26 due to an Achilles injury and key veterans like Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday traded away. This has opened a window for rivals to capitalize, with the Bucks and Hawks aiming to overtake Boston in the East, and the Warriors and Lakers looking to dominate the West.
Horford’s decision will have ripple effects. A move to the Warriors or Lakers could create a superteam dynamic, pairing him with Curry or James for a high-stakes title run. The Bucks and Hawks, meanwhile, are banking on his intangibles to elevate their playoff hopes. His choice will also reflect the evolving role of veteran players in the NBA, where experience and versatility remain highly valued, even for players approaching 40.
What’s Next for Horford?
Horford’s deliberate pace suggests he’s weighing not just basketball but life decisions. Retirement remains a possibility, especially with family considerations at the forefront. However, his competitive drive and recent championship success with Boston may push him toward one final run. The Warriors, once seen as the clear favorite, now face stiff competition, and Horford’s ultimate destination remains anyone’s guess.
Al Horford’s free agency is one of the NBA’s most intriguing storylines this offseason. As the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks vie for his signature, the veteran center holds the key to shifting the league’s balance of power. Will he chase another ring with a powerhouse like the Warriors or Lakers, return to his roots with the Hawks, or opt for retirement to focus on family? With playoff dreams and personal priorities at stake, Horford’s decision is a must-watch for basketball fans.