The Golden State Warriors are facing increasing uncertainty as former Boston Celtics center Al Horford remains unsigned during the current free agency period. This situation is causing concern given Horford’s importance to Golden State’s roster plans heading into the upcoming <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season.
Marc J. Spears of Andscape detailed on ESPN’s NBA Today on July 14 that several notable teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks, are also pursuing Horford. Despite the Warriors expecting Horford to sign quickly, he has yet to commit, largely due to personal considerations including family commitments and potential retirement plans.
Family and Retirement Considerations Influence Horford’s Free Agency Choices
Horford, nearing 40 years old, is reportedly weighing retirement and balancing his professional decisions with his expanding family life, which soon includes a sixth child. He spends much of his offseason between Atlanta and Boston, and the distance from his family appears to heavily factor into his final decision about joining a team.
Golden State, obviously, expected him to sign last week. He didn’t. The [Los Angeles] Lakers, Milwaukee [Bucks] and Atlanta [Hawks], I believe, are also interested in a nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table. He’s still considering retiring. He’s not in any hurry. He’s got a sixth kid coming on the way. He lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. But I’m hearing that whether it’s Golden State, and to a lesser extent the Lakers, being away from the family that far isn’t going to be in that decision.
—Marc J. Spears, NBA Insider
Potential Strategies if Horford Chooses to Sign Elsewhere or Retire
The Warriors have targeted Horford as their top priority this summer while also monitoring the status of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. However, if Horford decides to sign with a rival or opts for retirement after an 18-year NBA career, Golden State will need an alternative plan to fill their critical center position.
Free agency risks losing Horford to other franchises, prompting suggestions that Golden State might explore the trade market to find a viable replacement. A prominent candidate emerging in trade discussions is Nikola Vucevic, the Chicago Bulls’ center, who carries a more expensive contract but offers a younger and more productive option.
Exploring a Trade Swap: Jonathan Kuminga for Nikola Vucevic
Nekias Duncan of The Dunker Spot podcast highlighted the ongoing speculation about a trade that would send Kuminga to the Bulls in exchange for Vucevic, which would address multiple needs for the Warriors simultaneously. This trade concept has been a topic of conversation among NBA analysts as teams seek to balance rosters amid this summer’s active market.
I’ve just been waiting on Kuminga to Chicago, I’ve been waiting on [Vucevic] to Golden State for, it feels like, months.
—Nekias Duncan, NBA Analyst
However, Zach Lowe of The Ringer expressed skepticism about the prospect of such a trade occurring this summer, citing concerns over contract situations and fit.
I don’t think [Vucevic] to Golden State is a thing, I don’t think it is a thing. I’m not sure it ever really was a thing — on this current contract, anyway.
—Zach Lowe, NBA Analyst
Nikola Vucevic’s Profile: A More Expensive but Younger and Productive Center
At 35 years old, Nikola Vucevic is four years younger than Horford and currently in the final year of a three-year, $60 million contract, with a salary of $21.5 million expected for the 2025-26 season. The two-time All-Star posted averages of 18.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 3.5 assists last season, outperforming Horford’s respective 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
While Horford offers superior defensive skills and a lower salary cap hit, Vucevic is a more reliable shooter and a formidable floor spacer, connecting on 40.2% of his 3-point attempts from 4.4 attempts per game last year. His shooting range would provide Golden State with valuable spacing to complement their star players.
Golden State’s championship contention window may be narrowing, with key players like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler III under contract for the next two seasons. This urgency may influence the Warriors to pursue a proven veteran like Vucevic, despite the financial burden.
Implications for Golden State if Horford Is Unavailable
Should Horford sign with another team or retire, Golden State may need to make bold moves to maintain competitiveness. Pursuing Vucevic through a sign-and-trade involving Kuminga could resolve the Warriors’ center vacancy and address the restricted free agent situation simultaneously.
This potential trade would also be timed well contractually, given that Vucevic’s salary could be cleared after just one season, allowing the Warriors future flexibility to reshape their roster under salary cap constraints. With their title window limited, the franchise may be ready to expend resources on immediate roster upgrades.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Do Al Horford have an NBA ring?
A. The Celtics defeated the Pacers in four straight games, moving them into the 2024 NBA Finals. Horford played in all five games against the Dallas Mavericks, leading to a win and earning his first NBA championship. This victory also made Horford the first player from the Dominican Republic to win an NBA title.