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The Golden State Warriors might finally be getting serious about their offseason game plan. While rumours have swirled about a variety of possible moves, one name has stayed firmly at the top of their wish list: veteran big man Al Horford.
Since the start of free agency, the Warriors have reportedly been working behind the scenes to bring Horford to the Bay Area. After wrapping up four strong seasons with the Boston Celtics, Horford is ready to move on, and Golden State looks like his next stop.
According to The Stein Line, “all signs continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State eventually.” Starting Sunday, when the new NBA salary cap year kicks in, the Warriors can make the deal official.
On paper, this could be a great match. Horford is exactly the kind of player Golden State has been missing, a smart, reliable stretch five who can hit threes, make the right passes, and help space the floor for their shooters. He also brings championship experience and a calm presence to a locker room that’s seen plenty of ups and downs lately.
But let’s not ignore the big elephant in the room: Horford is almost 40. While he’s still a solid contributor, his best days are clearly behind him. He’s not the guy you ask to carry a heavy load, especially not after 18 gruelling seasons in the NBA.
In Boston, he thrived as a role player on a deep roster. But in the Golden State, the expectations might be higher. If his body holds up, this could be a smart veteran signing, even a difference-maker. But if age catches up to him fast, the Warriors may find themselves wishing they had gone in a younger, more durable direction.
So, is this a risky move? Definitely. But it might just be worth it if Horford has one or two solid years left in the tank. For a Warriors team looking to squeeze out one more title run before their core ages out, this signing could be a calculated gamble, and one that either pays off big or leaves them second-guessing.