Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors face a significant challenge in their pursuit of Al Horford as free agency unfolds. While the Warriors remain among the frontrunners to sign Horford, the veteran 39-year-old is reportedly weighing retirement, a decision he has considered since last season. This development complicates Golden State’s efforts to bolster their roster with the skilled center, especially as they seek to address key needs.
Despite his retirement considerations, Horford remains a highly sought-after player, and joining the Warriors could influence his choice to continue competing. Monte Poole of NBC Sports reported on Tuesday that the Warriors are hopeful Horford will commit to playing but acknowledge his contemplation of retirement.
“[The Warriors] are banking on Al [Horford] to play and they’re hoping he does but from what I hear, he is considering retiring.”
—Monte Poole, NBC Sports
How Al Horford Matches Golden State’s Team Requirements
Al Horford fits Golden State’s current roster strategy well, primarily because of their need for a strong presence at center and a player capable of stretching the floor. During his impressive four-year tenure with the Boston Celtics, Horford helped the team reach the conference finals three times, reached the NBA Finals once, and won a championship in 2024. However, his return to Boston last season saw the Celtics exit in the conference semifinals, marking a departure from previous deeper playoff runs.
Over this period, Horford averaged 9.4 points, 6.6 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game while shooting 39.2% from beyond the arc on 4.5 attempts per game. The Warriors can currently offer him either a full non-taxpayer exception contract worth $14.1 million or a midlevel exception of $5.7 million, depending on how their ongoing decisions involving Jonathan Kuminga unfold.
Denver Nuggets Emerge as Major Competitors for Horford
The Warriors are not the only team navigating challenges to acquire Horford in free agency; the Denver Nuggets have also surfaced as a strong contender. Recently, rumors have linked Jonas Valanciunas of Denver to potentially leaving the NBA to play for Greece’s Panathinaikos, which would free up salary space for Denver to pursue Horford aggressively. If Valanciunas departs, the Nuggets could utilize the full non-taxpayer midlevel exception, matching or exceeding the financial offers from Golden State.
Denver’s allure extends beyond the financial aspect, as the Nuggets are considered to have better prospects of a deep playoff run, thanks in large part to their MVP-caliber star Nikola Jokic. This competitive outlook and the opportunity to chase a second championship ring may play a significant role in influencing Horford’s decision between Denver and the Warriors.
Implications for Warriors Free Agency Strategy and Next Steps
The uncertainty surrounding Al Horford’s retirement deliberations complicates Golden State’s free agency planning significantly, as Horford represents a prime solution to their center position. Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets’ matching interest adds pressure on the Warriors to quickly determine viable alternatives should Horford decide to retire or sign elsewhere. For Horford, the options present a contrast between a likely smaller contract accompanied by championship aspirations with Golden State or a financially competitive offer paired with a strong contender in Denver.
The outcome of this decision will affect how both teams shape their rosters for the upcoming season and could alter the balance of power in the Western Conference. As free agency progresses, all parties involved will be closely watching Horford’s next move, which remains pivotal in defining their championship trajectories.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Al Horford a 5 star recruit?
A. According to Rivals.com, Horford was a four-star recruit in 2004 and was ranked 7th among power forwards and 36th overall in the country.