Al Horford Expected to Sign With Golden State Warriors or Retire From NBA

Al Horford is expected to sign with the Golden State Warriors or retire from the NBA, according to Anthony Slater of ESPN.

Horford is an unrestricted free agent. He spent the last four seasons with the Boston Celtics.

“Those around the league continue to ticket Al Horford to the Warriors when the free agency dust ultimately settles,” Slater wrote. “The Jonathan Kuminga situation continues to hold up business for them, keeping Horford in a holding pattern. But Horford is comfortable waiting. Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season.”

Horford played in 60 games for the Celtics last season. The five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.6 steals and 0.9 blocks while shooting 42.3% from the field, 36.3% from beyond the arc and 89.5% from the foul line. 

The 39-year-old Horford has played for the Atlanta Hawks, Celtics (twice), Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder. He has career averages of 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks.

Horford entered the NBA in 2007 with the Hawks. He was the third overall pick in the 2007 draft out of Florida. 

Golden State lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the 2025 playoffs in five games. The franchise won the 2022 title against Horford and the Celtics in six games. 

The Warriors believe they will land Horford, De’Anthony Melton and Seth Curry once Kuminga’s restricted free agency gets handled. The Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns have presented sign-and-trade offers to the Warriors for Kuminga, but Golden State wasn’t interested.

Kuminga has until October 1 to sign his $7.9 million qualifying offer for next season. The forward doesn’t have a good relationship with Warriors head coach Steve Kerr.