Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images

Warriors Expected to Sign Veteran Title-Winning Big in Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Ishaan Bhattacharya | Last updated Jul 1, 2025 11:29 AM ET

The Golden State Warriors are watching the NBA free agency market take shape after an active day one where they saw rivals in the West make aggressive moves to get better.

The Houston Rockets, fresh off a first-round exit at the hands of the Warriors, have loaded up by adding Kevin Durant, Clint Capela, and Dorian Finney-Smith already. The Denver Nuggets acquired Cam Johnson and Bruce Brown, the Los Angeles Clippers signed Brook Lopez, while other teams also made moves.

Even rivals LA Lakers made a move to sign Jake Laravia despite uncertainty around LeBron James swirling around the franchise.

The Warriors stood pat. They made no signings and lost 10-year veteran Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans. They're bound to replace Looney in the market, with ESPN's Brian Windhorst revealing the big the team is expected to sign on the Hoop Collective podcast.

"Al Horford is almost certainly going to sign elsewhere. It looked like he would sign with the Warriors, it didn't get done tonight. Maybe it will be done in the next couple of days."

Horford averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds with the Boston Celtics last season. The 2024 NBA Champion is going to be 39 years old next season, but has proven to be a versatile big-man who can play big minutes for a contender.

The Warriors will have Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post as other option with Draymond Green also expected to play minutes at the five, so Horford is a decent depth option.

It doesn't markedly move the needle for Golden State, who are expected to make some move with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. A lot rides on that move, as the team hasn't made any notable changes so far to alter the roster after their midseason acquisition of Jimmy Butler.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: