In a stunning twist to the NBA free agency frenzy, the Golden State Warriors are reportedly “locked in” on signing Boston Celtics’ veteran center Al Horford, according to insider Brett Siegel. This bold move comes as the Celtics face a seismic shake-up in their frontcourt, with all three of their primary big men from the 2024-25 season potentially departing.
The Celtics have already seen Kevon Looney, a former Warrior, ink a two-year deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. Looney, who played 76 games as a backup to Trayce Jackson-Davis in the 2024-25 season, averaged under 5.0 points per game over the past two years and has never cracked double digits in scoring during his career. Meanwhile, Boston traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks for Georges Niang and a second-round pick, and Luke Kornet bolted for the San Antonio Spurs on a four-year, $41 million deal in the opening hours of free agency. With Horford’s exit now looming, the Celtics are scrambling, signing center Luke Garza to a modest two-year, $5.5 million contract to plug the gap.
For the Warriors, landing Horford could be a masterstroke. The 39-year-old, five-time All-Star brings a wealth of experience and versatility. A key cog in Boston’s 2024 championship run, Horford averaged 9.0 points per game in the 2024-25 season, starting in over two-thirds of the games he played. His ability to stretch the floor, anchor the defense, and provide veteran leadership makes him an ideal fit alongside Golden State’s young big man, Trayce Jackson-Davis.
SOURCES: The Warriors are locked in on getting to an agreement with Al Horford after losing Kevon Looney. https://t.co/d1o47lft3n
— Brett Siegel (@BrettSiegelNBA) June 30, 2025
Jackson-Davis, just 25 years old, is entering the final year of his four-year, $7.6 million contract, with a club option for the following season. Horford would likely slide into a backup role, offering mentorship and stability while spelling Jackson-Davis in the Warriors’ frontcourt. This move could also signal Golden State’s intent to maximize their championship window with Stephen Curry still at the helm.
Horford’s storied career adds intrigue to this potential signing. Drafted by the Atlanta Hawks, where he spent his first nine seasons, Horford earned his first All-Star nod in 2009-10 and followed it with another in 2010-11, also securing All-NBA Third Team honors that year. He later added three more All-Star appearances between 2014-15 and 2017-18, along with an NBA All-Defensive Second Team selection in 2017-18. After stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder, Horford returned to Boston in 2021-22, cementing his legacy with a championship in 2024.
As the Celtics’ frontcourt crumbles, the Warriors are poised to capitalize, potentially pulling off a free agency heist that could reshape their roster and send shockwaves through the NBA. With Horford’s championship pedigree and savvy, Golden State may have found the missing piece to bolster their title chase.