Rumor: Retirement Remains On Table For Al Horford, Warriors Think He’ll Sign With Them

Retirement remains on the table for Al Horford, according to ESPN NBA insider Anthony Slater, who also reports that the Golden State Warriors think the veteran will sign with them. 

The Warriors haven’t been able to sign anyone this offseason because of restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. 

“Those around the league continue to ticket Al Horford to the Warriors when the free agency dust ultimately settles,” Slater wrote. “The 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 spent the last four seasons with the Boston Celtics, who have already announced they won’t re-sign the Florida product. 

The 39-year-old Horford appeared in 60 games for the Celtics last season. He 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. 

Horford has played for the Atlanta Hawks, Celtics (twice), Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder. The five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion has career averages of 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, 0.8 steals and 1.1 blocks.

The Warriors lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round of the 2025 playoffs in five games after beating the Houston Rockets in the first round in seven games. Stephen Curry suffered a left hamstring injury in Game 1 against the Timberwolves and missed the rest of the series. 

Without Curry, the Warriors lost four consecutive games after winning Game 1 on the road in Minnesota. 

Horford and the Celtics lost to Curry and the Warriors in the 2022 NBA Finals in six games. Golden State made a blockbuster trade last season, acquiring six-time All-Star Jimmy Butler from the Miami Heat. 

It will be fascinating to see if Horford retires from the NBA or signs with the Warriors. 

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