For weeks, the Golden State Warriors have been the frontrunners to sign veteran center Al Horford, the five-time All-Star whose championship pedigree and versatile skill set make him the ultimate prize in this year’s free agency. But as the days tick by without a signed contract, whispers of doubt are growing louder. Now, a stunning twist has emerged: Horford’s former team, the Atlanta Hawks, has entered the race with a secret weapon that could lure him away from the Bay Area—a no-trade clause.
At 39, Al Horford remains a cornerstone for any NBA team with championship aspirations. A proven winner, he’s missed the playoffs in only two of his 18 seasons and played a pivotal role in the Boston Celtics’ 2024 NBA Finals triumph. His elite defense, willingness to shoot from deep, and ability to play “3-and-D” at the center position make him a rare commodity. Every contender wants a player like Horford—a battle-tested veteran who elevates a roster without demanding the spotlight.
This explains the frenzy surrounding Horford’s free agency. Despite his age, teams are lining up for his services, though most can only offer the veteran’s minimum, roughly $3.6 million for a player of his experience. The Warriors, however, have a trump card: they’re prepared to offer most, if not all, of their Taxpayer Mid-Level Exception, potentially worth $5.7 million for the upcoming season. They also promise a significant role, carefully balanced to preserve Horford’s legs for the postseason grind.
Yet, something is holding up the Warriors’ pursuit. Speculation has swirled that Horford and Golden State have a handshake agreement, possibly delayed by ongoing negotiations involving Jonathan Kuminga. But ESPN’s Marc Spears recently dropped a bombshell: the Warriors are frustrated that Horford hasn’t signed yet, hinting that the deal is far from certain. Could the veteran be mulling retirement? Or, more shockingly, could he be eyeing a different team?
As pointed out by @atlhawksfanatic, the Hawks could offer Al Horford something in free agency only the Boston Celtics could match: a no-trade clause.
This is because he spent 4 years with the team and has at least 8 years of service in the league.
— Wes (@bloghawk) July 15, 2025
As the delay drags on, the likelihood of Horford landing in Golden State diminishes. And among the suitors vying for his signature, one stands out as a legitimate threat: the Atlanta Hawks, the team that drafted him.
The Hawks aren’t just a sentimental choice for Horford—they make basketball sense. Horford spent the first nine years of his career in Atlanta, leaving on good terms and still maintaining a home there. Returning to the Hawks would offer unparalleled comfort and familiarity for Horford and his family. On the court, Atlanta desperately needs another big man, especially with starting center Kristaps Porzingis sidelined for significant time this season. Horford’s history of meshing seamlessly with Porzingis—both sharing the floor and thriving in a platoon—makes him an ideal fit.
While the Hawks can’t match the Warriors’ financial offer or promise as large a role, they have a unique advantage: a no-trade clause. In the NBA, this rare contractual power is reserved for players with at least eight years of experience, four with the signing team, and a new contract (not an extension). Horford checks every box, and the Hawks can dangle this coveted control to sway him.
The Warriors, by contrast, can’t offer such security. Despite any verbal assurances, Golden State’s recent history—trading players like Kyle Anderson, D’Anthony Melton, and Dennis Schroder within the same season—suggests they’re unafraid to move pieces. For Horford, the allure of a no-trade clause could outweigh the Warriors’ extra $2 million, especially at this stage of his career.
Horford’s decision may come down to more than money or minutes. The Hawks offer familiarity, a chance to return to his NBA roots, and the stability of a no-trade clause. Meanwhile, the Warriors provide a bigger paycheck, a larger role, and a shot at another title in the ultra-competitive Western Conference. But the Hawks’ roster, combined with a weaker Eastern Conference, might give Horford confidence he can still play high-leverage postseason minutes in Atlanta.
As the Warriors wait, their hesitation could cost them. The longer they delay, the more time the Hawks have to sell Horford on a homecoming no one saw coming. If Golden State doesn’t act fast, their perfect free agent fit might slip away, leaving fans stunned and the Hawks celebrating a coup that changes the Eastern Conference landscape.