At 39 years old, Al Horford remains a significant figure in NBA offseason discussions, especially concerning the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers. Both teams are reportedly keen to add the veteran center to their rosters, yet Horford’s future remains uncertain as he evaluates options that include continuing to play or a possible retirement.
According to renowned reporter Shams Charania, Horford has yet to finalize his decision, leaving teams and fans waiting anxiously.
“It would be a surprise if he makes a final decision by this weekend,”
Charania said. This delay puts additional pressure on Warriors assistant Mike Dunleavy Jr. to have alternative strategies ready, as head coach Steve Kerr’s frontcourt depth is already fragile.
Horford’s Recent Performance and Longevity Highlight Value and Risks
Horford just completed his 18th NBA season and played a pivotal role in helping the Boston Celtics clinch the 2024 championship. Despite his age, he contributed significantly—averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and shooting 36.3% from three-point range during the season. Playing nearly 28 minutes per game, including crucial playoff minutes, Horford offered reliable two-way production and veteran leadership.
Still, at 39, his physical endurance and long-term availability are natural concerns, especially for teams aiming for a deep playoff run. His presence remains impressive for a player who guarded stars like prime Tim Duncan in his early career, but he is undoubtedly closer to the end of his professional journey than the start.
Golden State Warriors Show Strong Interest but Face Depth Challenges
The Warriors appear committed to acquiring Horford to add experience and size to a thinning roster. NBA analyst Marc Stein confirmed,
“All signs are pointing to it.”
Meanwhile, Sam Esfandiari expressed cautious optimism, saying,
“I love it… Horford as one of your 10 guys is amazing. Horford playing 40 minutes because you don’t have depth? That’s miserable.”
The Warriors have faced repeated challenges maintaining a balanced and deep frontcourt beyond their top stars, especially after losing role players like Otto Porter Jr. and Nemanja Bjelica. Tommy Gunn, a significant voice in Warriors-focused forums, emphasized Horford’s importance, stating,
“He’s something they’ve needed since losing Otto Porter Jr. and Bjelica… Horford probably has more juice than either.”
Golden State’s hope is that Horford can stabilize their second unit, but there looms a risk if he ends up shouldering too heavy a load.
Lakers and Nuggets Also Pursuing Horford for Veteran Stability
Adding to the drama, the Los Angeles Lakers have entered the competition for Horford’s services. The Lakers recently acquired DeAndre Ayton and hope Horford can serve as a mentor to the young big man, offering guidance akin to a seasoned leader aiding a promising talent. This mentorship is vital given Ayton’s occasional defensive lapses, and Horford’s presence could bolster team cohesion and maturity.
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets find themselves unexpectedly in the mix following the departure of Jonas Valanciunas to Greece shortly after a trade. Denver is prepared to offer their $14.1 million mid-level exception to sign Horford, seeking a reliable backup for Nikola Jokić, their star center. Jokić’s unique ability to lead in assists and score remains formidable, but the team requires dependable frontcourt depth to maintain competitiveness.
This competitive race for Horford highlights multiple teams’ recognition of the value in his veteran experience, even as the player himself weighs retirement. The Warriors want him to anchor their second unit, the Lakers see a prime mentoring opportunity, and the Nuggets just aim to avoid a frontcourt void at high altitude.
League Observers Predict Horford’s Move to Golden State, Despite Retirement Talks
Well-known Celtics enthusiast Bill Simmons recently predicted on his podcast that Horford is likely to join the Warriors. Supporting this view, NBA analyst Rob Mahoney noted,
“That’s basically treated as a foregone conclusion around the league.”
Given Simmons’ strong support for Boston players, his acceptance of a Horford move lends weight to the expectation that Golden State may secure the veteran center.
However, there is a compelling twist in Horford’s future plans. Some insiders suggest he might take a break from professional basketball, similar to Michael Jordan’s one-year hiatus, before potentially returning in 2026. This would allow him time to recover fully—particularly from knee issues—and return rejuvenated to support Jayson Tatum and the Celtics when they need him most.
Implications for the Warriors and the Broader NBA Landscape
Any delay from Horford could prove costly for Golden State, which risk losing out on other veteran options if the pursuit drags on. Warriors fans still recall the missed opportunities surrounding players like Otto Porter Jr., Nemanja Bjelica, and the unsuccessful hope for Dwight Howard. If the Warriors fail to act decisively, their frontcourt challenges will persist into the upcoming season.
Al Horford remains a player capable of contributing to a championship contender, but his ultimate choice—whether to join the Warriors, sign with the Lakers or Nuggets, or step away from the game—carries significant implications for multiple franchises. For Golden State’s management, led by owner Joe Lacob, the window to secure Horford is narrow and requires prompt, strategic moves.
In this moment of uncertainty, Horford’s decision transcends merely selecting a team; it may define whether he continues his career at all or prepares for retirement after an illustrious 18 seasons in the NBA.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Al Horford a 5 star recruit?
A. According to Rivals.com, Horford was ranked as a four-star recruit in 2004. He was the seventh-best power forward and the 36th top player nationally.