Latest On Al Horford, Warriors

Veteran big man Al Horford has yet to make a decision on his future, but if he does return for a 2025-26 season, the Golden State Warriors are still viewed as the frontrunners to sign him.

That’s according to ESPN’s Marc J. Spears, who said on NBA Today that multiple teams remain interested in the 39-year-old, even as retirement remains on the table. Spears named the Warriors, Lakers, Bucks, and Hawks as suitors for the longtime Celtics forward.

“Golden State obviously expected him to sign last week, he didn’t,” Spears said. “Lakers, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, 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.

“I’m hearing that whether it’s Golden State and a lesser extent to the Lakers, being away from the family that far isn’t going to be in that decision.”

The Bucks’ interest is somewhat surprising given their recent additions and re-signings in the frontcourt. Myles Turner joined Milwaukee early in free agency, and the team also retained Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims.

The Hawks, on the other hand, could be a more natural fit. Horford still owns a home in Atlanta and previously spent nine seasons with the organization. The Hawks lost Clint Capela and Larry Nance Jr. this summer, creating a possible opening for a stabilizing veteran presence behind Kristaps Porzingis and Onyeka Okongwu. First-round pick Asa Newell and third-year big Mouhamed Gueye are expected to be in the mix, but the frontcourt depth remains unproven.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said earlier this month that a Horford return to Boston is “unlikely,” though the team did make offers to both Horford and Luke Kornet, who has since signed with the Spurs.

Horford has spent the past four seasons with Boston, continuing to serve as a valuable defender, floor-spacer, and locker room presence deep into his career. He appeared in 60 games in 2024-25 and averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds while shooting 36 percent from three-point range.