Al Horford free agency options are at the center of NBA speculation as the 18-year veteran weighs where he will play for the 2025-26 season or if it may be time to retire. With interest from the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Boston Celtics, and others, the future for Horford remains unresolved as he considers his next chapter.
Veteran Center Nears a Career Crossroads
Al Horford, whose career spans 18 NBA seasons with significant time spent on the Boston Celtics, is facing one of the most important decisions of his professional life. Following financial constraints in Boston and shifting franchise direction, Horford has re-entered free agency. The 39-year-old, coming off a season averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds across 60 games, stands as one of the most experienced and respected big men available on the market.
His value is highlighted by multiple teams expressing strong interest. The Golden State Warriors have reportedly emerged as the leading contender, aggressively pursuing Horford as a possible addition to their frontcourt. Anthony Slater of The Athletic provided insight on the team‘s ongoing player negotiations, stating,
There’s nothing near the finish line on the Jonathan Kuminga front as the third night of free agency wraps, per sources,
—Anthony Slater, Warriors for The Athletic
Conversations ongoing with Warriors and several teams on periphery. Warriors also waiting on Al Horford decision.
—Anthony Slater, Warriors for The Athletic
Golden State Warriors Considered Favorites Amid League Buzz
Momentum for a Horford move to the Warriors has gained traction beyond any single source. During a recent appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, NBA observers Rob Mahoney and Bill Simmons discussed the perception that a deal sending Horford to Golden State is seen as likely throughout league circles. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst also connected Horford to the Warriors, underscoring the widespread belief that the franchise values his versatile skill set and experience as they seek to reinforce their roster.
Other Suitors: Lakers’ Interest Complicated by Roster Changes
The Lakers were mentioned as a serious alternative for Horford earlier in the week, but complicating their pursuit was their subsequent signing of DeAndre Ayton, who fills a traditional center role in the Los Angeles lineup. Brian Windhorst simplified the market to three main possibilities for Horford: joining the Warriors, opting for the Lakers, or retiring from the NBA. Ayton’s acquisition may have altered the Lakers’ immediate needs, but the veteran’s proven ability to stretch the floor and offer leadership still attracts their attention.
Boston Celtics Hope for a Possible Reunion
Despite increasing uncertainty, the Boston Celtics have not closed the door on retaining Horford for another year. Financial restrictions and the need to reduce their payroll—possibly involving Sam Hauser or Anfernee Simons—have created a complicated situation for the organization. Celtics president of basketball operations, Brad Stevens, directly addressed the possibility of a Horford return, emphasizing how central he and fellow center Luke Kornet were to the team:
There is no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke [Kornet] back,
—Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, Boston Celtics
Those guys are huge parts of this organization.
—Brad Stevens, President of Basketball Operations, Boston Celtics
With Kornet already signing a multi-year deal with the San Antonio Spurs, Boston’s desire to retain Horford may now be greater than ever, as they look to maintain stability in their veteran core.
An Uncertain Road Ahead for a Storied NBA Career
Horford, who played seven seasons with the Celtics across two separate stints, continues to draw attention due to his high-level production and respected locker room presence. Teams such as the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets have been linked to him as well, yet reports in recent days point to Golden State as the most aggressive bidder. Meanwhile, retirement remains a real possibility for the five-time All-Star, especially with age and family considerations playing a part in his pending decision.
League insiders and fans alike await Horford’s final choice, as the outcome could shift competitive balances for title contenders or signal the end of a remarkable NBA journey. Whether Al Horford suits up for Golden State, returns to Boston, tries for one last playoff run with Los Angeles, or decides to step away, his influence on whatever team claims him—or on the league as a whole—will be closely watched in the coming weeks.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Al Horford a 5 star recruit?
A. Rivals.com ranked Horford as a four-star recruit in 2004. He was seen as the seventh-best power forward that year. Overall, he was placed 36th among all players in the country.