by It may not be long until Al Horford’s second stint with the Celtics ends.
All indications are that Horford will sign a contract with the Warriors as the Celtics star is still a free agent, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Lines.
Horford has been connected to the Warriors ever since free agency began on Monday. Anthony Slater of The Athletics initially reported that Horford was a major target for Golden State, with the Warriors considering signing a center this offseason as a top priority.
Shortly after those rumors on Monday, it appeared like the Celtics had a greater chance of losing Horford to the Warriors. Golden State’s depth at center was reduced later that day when veteran Warriors big man Kevon Looney agreed to a deal with the Pelicans.
Horford has been heavily connected to the Warriors since free agency began, but they are not the only Western Conference team hoping to sign the Celtics big man. Horford has also been connected to the Lakers. The Lakers are among the favorites to sign Horford, according to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst earlier this week. With the addition of 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton and the re-signing of Jaxson Hayes, Los Angeles is now rebuilding its big man depth.
Additionally, Windhorst stated that Horford is still considering retiring. Horford, who turned 39 in June, appeared to hint at retirement in his first interview with media after the Celtics’ May second-round playoff loss.
Horford staying with the Celtics, however, is a less likely choice at this time. The Celtics are in a difficult position to try to convince Horford to stay in Boston, as numerous sources have suggested that the Lakers and Warriors are serious suitors. Naturally, Boston’s chances of winning a championship the following season were drastically altered by Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury. But because they are almost at the second luxury tax apron threshold, the Celtics are likewise in a difficult financial situation.
However, when it came to free agency, Celtics head of basketball operations Brad Stevens stated that the team’s primary priority were to re-sign Horford and fellow big man Luke Kornet. Kornet, who signed a four-year, $41 million contract with the Spurs on Monday, has already left them. They would have very little big man depth if Horford were to leave. The only big men on the Celtics roster are Luka Garza, who was just signed, Amari Williams, a second-round rookie, and Neemias Queta.
In 2024–25, Horford’s eighth season in Boston, he had yet another outstanding year with the Celtics. In 27.7 minutes a game, he shot 42.3 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from outside the arc, averaging nine points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks.
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