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NBA insider reveals Al Horford’s potential Warriors deal and why it might actually please Celtics fans

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Bergas Agung | Last updated Jul 27, 2025 3:30 PM ET

The Golden State Warriors remain linked to Al Horford despite no contract agreement this offseason.

The veteran center has been the Golden State Warriors primary free agent target since the market opened, but no deal has materialized.

Horford remains unsigned while the Warriors ‘pause‘ their roster moves. Their inactivity stems directly from the unresolved Jonathan Kuminga contract situation that has frozen other personnel decisions.

Siegel projects two-year deal with player option for Al Horford with the Warriors

NBA insider Brett Siegel outlined the potential contract structure if Golden State eventually signs Al Horford. The terms may disappoint Warriors fans hoping for long-term stability at the center position.

Siegel believes Horford would receive a short-term deal with flexibility to return to Boston after one season.

The insider expects Horford to command a modest two-year contract with significant escape clauses. The structure would allow the veteran to test free agency again after one season with Golden State.

“I think it would be a two-year contract, but it’s going to be one of those one plus one type of deals where he has a player option in year two. And it’s probably going to be in that $5-5.5 million range for him,” Siegel explained.

The financial terms reflect Horford’s age and market value at this stage of his career. His annual salary would fall well below the mid-level exception while providing roster flexibility.

“So probably looking at two-year $11 million, $11.5 million if I had to guess. He could opt out. He could maybe go back to the Celtics. And that makes a lot of sense to me,” Siegel added.

Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Horford’s shooting ability fits Warriors’ system perfectly

Siegel emphasized how Horford’s skill set aligns with Golden State’s offensive philosophy. The veteran center provides the floor spacing and championship experience the Warriors need from their frontcourt.

Horford shot 36.3% from three-point range last season and exceeded 40% in the two previous campaigns. His perimeter shooting opens driving lanes for Stephen Curry and creates optimal spacing.

“You have a chance to compete this year, you play in a system where you’re still going to be able to be a starter in a way and be able to hold a significant role and nothing would really change in terms of going from the Celtics to the Warriors,” Siegel noted.

Siegel also thinks the transition from the Celtics’ system to Golden State’s approach would require minimal adjustment for Horford.

“It has a similar style, he knows what to expect there. He’s playing with veterans, he’s going to be competing for a championship in the West and his play style is going to be exactly the same and his minutes modes will be the same as they were with the Celtics,” Siegel added.

Warriors offer better championship odds, but Celtics remain home for Horford

For the next season, the Warriors present a more attractive championship opportunity than Boston’s current roster construction.

Golden State’s core remains intact while the Celtics face significant roster turnover as Jayson Tatum will be sidelined for the whole season while key players like Kristaps Porzingis or Jrue Holiday no longer on the roster.

However, Horford has a deep connection to Boston after six seasons with the franchise, including their 2024 championship. The veteran forward has established roots and relationships that extend beyond basketball considerations.

“It’s just having that chance to actually compete and then he could opt out. Maybe his value goes up in free agency and he either resigns with the Warriors or resigns with a different team. Maybe he goes back to the Celtics if they want to get the band back together to chase a championship and then he retires,” Siegel concluded.

The contract structure that Siegel mentioned would allow Horford to evaluate his options after experiencing Golden State’s system while maintaining the possibility of returning to Boston for his final seasons.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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