The Golden State Warriors are on the verge of a seismic shift in their roster, with veteran center Al Horford emerging as the prime candidate to anchor their frontcourt next season. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, the Warriors are prioritizing a reduced regular-season load for Draymond Green, signaling a potential lack of confidence in the 35-year-old forward’s ability to carry the team as their primary big man. Horford, a proven champion and versatile big, is reportedly the “presumed starting center” for Golden State, a move that could reshape their championship aspirations.
At 39, Al Horford brings a wealth of experience and a skill set tailor-made for the Warriors’ fast-paced, spacing-heavy system. Last season with the Boston Celtics, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, while knocking down nearly two 3-pointers per game at a 36.3% clip. During Boston’s championship run the previous year, he elevated his game, shooting an impressive 41.9% from beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor, facilitate plays, and hold his own defensively makes him an ideal fit alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler, whose scoring gravity will create wide-open looks for Horford’s sharpshooting.
“Horford would slide in as the presumed starting center, lessening the regular-season load on Draymond Green, which is a priority,” Slater wrote. “His ability to pass and defend fits well into the Warriors’ system. His ability to shoot from the center spot is something they’ve been sorely lacking.”
This move signals a strategic pivot for the Warriors, who are looking to preserve Green’s energy for the postseason while addressing their long-standing need for a stretch big. With Kevon Looney now with the New Orleans Pelicans, Horford’s veteran presence could also mentor rookie Quinten Post, who was thrust into a similar role last season under coach Steve Kerr.
While Horford’s addition is tantalizing, it’s not without risks. At 39, Horford is no longer the every-night workhorse he once was. “He hasn’t been playing both sides of back-to-backs,” Slater noted, pointing to the Warriors’ grueling schedule of 15 back-to-back games this season, tied for second-most in the NBA. Relying on Horford for consistent 25-minute performances could be a gamble, especially as the Warriors’ starting lineup—featuring Curry, Butler, Green, and Horford—would rank among the league’s oldest.
Despite these concerns, the Warriors see Horford as a critical piece for high-stakes moments. His floor-spacing ability could unlock dynamic five-man lineups, particularly benefiting rising star Jonathan Kuminga’s downhill drives. The question remains: can Horford stay healthy and effective enough to justify the Warriors’ trust in him as their starting center?
The Warriors’ pursuit of Horford has been complicated by their ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. According to Slater, “Those around the league continue to ticket Horford to the Warriors when the free agency dust ultimately settles. The Kuminga situation continues to hold up business for them, keeping Horford in a holding pattern.”
Recent reports indicate that the Warriors and Kuminga have resumed talks, but significant hurdles remain. Kuminga, 22, is seeking a player-friendly deal that signals his role as a long-term building block, not a trade chip. The Warriors’ current offer—a two-year, $45 million contract with a team option and a waived no-trade clause—has been met with resistance. “Kuminga wants more of a signal that he’s a building block, not a trade asset,” Slater explained on ESPN’s NBA Today on August 15.
The stalemate has left the Warriors’ roster plans in limbo, delaying their ability to finalize a deal with Horford. However, with renewed dialogue between the two sides, there’s hope that a resolution could pave the way for Golden State to secure their veteran big man.
The Warriors’ interest in Horford underscores their broader goal of bolstering their frontcourt with shooting and versatility. General Manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. emphasized this priority during an interview at the NBA Summer League in Las Vegas. “We want to look to the frontcourt to add some shooting, in the backcourt some defense,” Dunleavy told ESPN’s Katie George. “Offensively, guys that can shoot, pass, and dribble. There’s tons of needs, but I think we’ve zeroed in on some areas that we can address.”
Horford checks all the boxes. His four-year tenure with the Celtics showcased his ability to thrive as a stretch big, a role the Warriors have lacked since Looney’s departure. By pairing Horford’s shooting and playmaking with Curry’s and Butler’s offensive firepower, Golden State aims to create a dynamic, space-heavy lineup capable of competing with the NBA’s elite.
The Warriors’ potential acquisition of Al Horford signals a bold, win-now mentality. While concerns about his age and durability linger, his fit within Golden State’s system is undeniable. By reducing Green’s regular-season workload and adding a veteran presence to guide Post, the Warriors are positioning themselves for another deep playoff run. However, the resolution of Kuminga’s contract situation remains the key to unlocking this transformative deal.