In a jaw-dropping twist to the NBA offseason, veteran big man Al Horford is poised to leave the Boston Celtics, where he hoisted the 2024 championship trophy, and join forces with the Golden State Warriors. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the move could be finalized as early as Sunday, the first day teams can complete most signings and trades under the 2025–26 salary cap. The league is buzzing, and the Warriors are about to add another high-IQ veteran to their star-studded roster.
The whispers have turned into roars. Stein, alongside Jake Fischer, reported that “all signs continue to point” to Horford landing in Golden State. Bill Simmons, on his podcast with Rob Mahoney of The Ringer, didn’t mince words: “Horford’s going to Golden State. It’s happening.” Mahoney agreed, noting that the move is “basically treated as a foregone conclusion around the league right now.” The consensus is clear: Horford is Bay Area-bound.
The Warriors’ frontcourt has been a glaring weak spot since Kevon Looney departed for the New Orleans Pelicans. They haven’t had a reliable floor-spacing big since Marreese Speights left in 2016. Enter Horford, a 39-year-old veteran who brings championship pedigree, leadership, and versatility. Last season with Boston, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from three in 60 games. His ability to stretch the floor, make smart reads, and anchor the defense makes him a perfect fit for Golden State’s system.
Horford’s resume speaks for itself. With stints at the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and two runs with the Celtics, he boasts career averages of 12.9 points and 7.9 rebounds. He faced the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals (a loss) and fell to the New York Knicks in the second round this year. Now, he’s ready to chase another ring—this time alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler.
For a fleeting moment, Horford’s name surfaced in connection with the Los Angeles Lakers, who were looking to bolster their frontcourt around LeBron James and Luka Dončić. But those rumors fizzled after the Lakers re-signed Jaxson Hayes and acquired Deandre Ayton, per Shams Charania. With Los Angeles out of the picture, Horford’s options appear to be Golden State or retirement—and the five-time All-Star shows no signs of slowing down.
The Warriors are no strangers to blockbuster moves. Last season, they landed Jimmy Butler in a trade that shook the league. With Stephen Curry still dazzling and Draymond Green anchoring the defense, Horford’s arrival would add another layer to an already formidable core. Golden State’s 2025 playoff run ended in the second round against the Minnesota Timberwolves after Curry’s Game 1 hamstring injury. The team had clawed through a grueling seven-game series against the Houston Rockets prior to that. Horford’s veteran savvy and playoff experience could be the missing piece to push them over the hump.
As the NBA world waits for official confirmation, the prospect of Horford donning the Warriors’ blue and gold is electrifying. Will he seamlessly integrate into their fast-paced, high-IQ system? Can he help Curry, Butler, and Green reclaim the throne? One thing’s for sure: the Warriors are loading up for another championship run, and Al Horford is ready to make waves.