The Golden State Warriors entered the 2025 NBA offseason with high expectations, aiming to bolster their roster around their star trio of Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. With championship aspirations in sight, fans anticipated a flurry of moves to elevate the team’s contending status. However, the offseason has been a quiet one for Golden State, with no major signings outside of their second-round draft picks. The ongoing contract stalemate with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has cast a shadow over the team’s plans, stalling potential deals and leaving fans restless. Yet, a glimmer of hope has emerged with reports of a handshake agreement that could reshape the Warriors’ roster.
According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors have secured a handshake deal with Boston Celtics champion center Al Horford. The agreement, which is reportedly a two-year contract with a player option, is poised to be finalized once the Kuminga situation is resolved. Siegel notes that Horford, alongside other free agents like De’Anthony Melton, has been unable to officially sign due to financial constraints tied to Kuminga’s unresolved contract. While most of Golden State’s pending signings are expected to be minimum contracts, Horford’s deal stands out as a significant investment in the team’s frontcourt.
This development is particularly intriguing given reports that the 39-year-old Horford has been contemplating retirement this offseason. The inclusion of a player option in his contract offers flexibility, allowing him to opt out after the first year if he chooses to step away from the game. For the Warriors, this potential signing represents a calculated gamble—a move that could pay dividends on their championship quest.
For years, the Warriors have searched for a reliable starting center to anchor their lineup. Horford, a five-time All-Star and a key contributor to Boston’s championship run, could finally fill that void. Despite his age, Horford remains a versatile big man, capable of scoring, rebounding, and defending at a high level. His ability to stretch the floor with three-point shooting makes him an ideal fit alongside Curry’s long-range wizardry, Butler’s two-way tenacity, and Green’s defensive versatility. Horford’s veteran presence and championship pedigree could also provide invaluable leadership for a team chasing another title.
The Warriors’ starting lineup, featuring Horford alongside their star trio, has the potential to be a matchup nightmare for opponents. His ability to space the floor, protect the rim, and make smart plays in the paint could unlock new dimensions for Golden State’s offense and defense. While he may not be the dominant force he once was, Horford’s experience and skill set make him a perfect complement to the Warriors’ high-octane style.
The delay in finalizing Horford’s contract underscores the complications surrounding Jonathan Kuminga’s situation. The young forward’s restricted free agency has created a financial bottleneck, preventing the Warriors from officially signing Horford and other free agents. This has frustrated fans and analysts alike, as Golden State has missed out on several free agent targets due to the ongoing impasse. However, with reports indicating that multiple deals are in place pending Kuminga’s resolution, the Warriors appear poised to make a splash once the logjam clears.
Adding Al Horford would be a massive coup for the Warriors, signaling their intent to compete at the highest level. While the team still needs to address depth and add more talent before the regular season begins, Horford’s potential arrival is a step in the right direction. His experience, versatility, and championship know-how could prove to be the missing piece for a team determined to reclaim NBA glory.
As the Warriors navigate the complexities of the offseason, all eyes will be on how they resolve the Kuminga situation and finalize their roster moves. For now, the handshake deal with Al Horford offers a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come—a bold move that could propel Golden State back into the championship conversation. With Curry, Butler, Green, and now potentially Horford leading the charge, the Warriors are betting big on their title hopes for the 2025-26 season.