The Golden State Warriors have been eerily quiet since free agency kicked off over three weeks ago, but the tides are turning. With the Jonathan Kuminga situation still unresolved, the Warriors are poised to make a seismic splash, potentially reuniting two former Boston Celtics stars—Al Horford and Malcolm Brogdon—whose sharpshooting prowess could reshape Golden State’s championship aspirations.
Al Horford, the 39-year-old veteran big man, has been a prime target for the Warriors since before free agency began. NBA insider Marc Stein doubled down on Sunday, fueling speculation with reports of “hand-shake agreements” between Golden State, Horford, and former guard De’Anthony Melton. “We are indeed three full weeks into free agency now, but I still expect Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton to wind up in Golden State when their signing commitments are made public and official,” Stein wrote. While Warriors fans grow restless, the consensus around the league is that Horford’s next stop is the Bay Area.
Adding intrigue to the Warriors’ offseason, interest in Malcolm Brogdon has surged in recent days. NBA insider Jake Fischer noted that Golden State is among several teams eyeing the 32-year-old guard, with Clutch Points’ Brett Siegel also catching wind of Brogdon’s connection to the franchise during Las Vegas Summer League. The Warriors’ pursuit of Brogdon may have intensified after missing out on blockbuster names like Bradley Beal and Damian Lillard, who signed with the L.A. Clippers and Portland Trail Blazers, respectively, last week.
Horford and Brogdon’s time together in Boston offers a glimpse of what they could bring to Golden State. Horford, a cornerstone of the Celtics’ resurgence, finally captured his elusive first championship last season. His leadership and versatility—capped by a career-high 44.6% from three-point range in 2022-23—made him a fan favorite and a linchpin for Boston’s success.
Brogdon, meanwhile, enjoyed a career-defining stint with the Celtics in the same 2022-23 season. After being traded to Boston following years as a starter for the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, Brogdon embraced a sixth-man role with remarkable efficiency. He averaged 14.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 3.7 assists, shooting an impressive 48.4% from the field and a career-best 44.4% from beyond the arc. His efforts earned him the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, while Boston posted a stellar 57-25 record, securing the second seed in the Eastern Conference.
The synergy between Horford and Brogdon was undeniable. Both players’ ability to stretch the floor with elite three-point shooting—44% or better—complemented Boston’s dynamic offense. Now, the Warriors are banking on that same chemistry to elevate their roster.
The Warriors’ interest in Horford and Brogdon signals an all-in approach for the upcoming season. Horford’s veteran savvy and floor-spacing ability would pair seamlessly with Golden State’s motion offense, while Brogdon’s playmaking and shooting could provide the spark off the bench that the Warriors have lacked. If both players join the fold, their familiarity from their Celtics days could make for a smooth transition when training camp tips off in October.
However, the Warriors’ offseason hinges on the resolution of the Kuminga situation. Once that domino falls, expect Golden State to move swiftly to finalize their roster. With Horford and Brogdon potentially donning the blue and gold, the Warriors are betting on two sharpshooting veterans to help them reclaim their spot atop the NBA’s elite.