With Jonathan Kuminga’s situation potentially nearing a resolution, the Warriors finally have added big man Al Horford to the mix.
The 19-year NBA veteran has committed to signing a multi-year contract with Golden State, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Sunday, citing Horford’s agent, Jason Glushon.
Horford entered the offseason as one of the league’s top unrestricted free agents after spending the last four seasons with the Celtics — his second stint in Boston. He seemingly will replace longtime Warriors center Kevon Looney, who signed a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans at the start of free agency.
The 39-year-old is a career 37.7-percent shooter from 3-point range and a valiant defender. A 2024 NBA champion with the Celtics, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.9 blocks during the 2024-25 season, where he admirably played in 60 regular-season games and started in 42 of them. Horford stands as one of five active players with 750-plus triples and 1,000-plus blocks.
Horford’s floor-spacing abilities should fit right into Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s offense centered around superstar Steph Curry. The center, too, should help Golden State combat the shooting limitations that come when co-stars Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green are on the floor, especially at the same time.
The newfound partnership in the Bay makes sense. Boston seems out of contention for the near future with star forward Jayson Tatum recovering from a ruptured Achilles, and Golden State is trying to climb the mountain once again, aiming for a fifth title in 12 seasons.
Horford, entering Year 19, doesn’t have time to waste, making the Warriors a fitting destination for him.
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