In a stunning turn of events, Al Horford’s long-rumored move to the Golden State Warriors is all but sealed, sending shockwaves through the NBA. The 39-year-old veteran, a cornerstone of the Boston Celtics’ recent championship run, appears to be headed to the Bay Area, with the Celtics’ latest roster moves signaling his departure louder than ever. On Tuesday, Boston made headlines by signing former Warrior Chris Boucher to a one-year, $3.3 million deal, a move that has left fans and analysts scratching their heads as the team reshapes its frontcourt in Horford’s absence.
The Celtics also shook up their roster by trading recently acquired forward Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, further cementing the end of Horford’s storied tenure in Boston. The addition of Boucher, a 32-year-old stretch big who spent seven seasons with the Toronto Raptors, seems to be a direct response to Horford’s looming exit. Boucher, who won a championship with the Warriors during his lone game with the team in the 2017-18 season on a two-way contract, was one of the top remaining free agent big men on the market. His signing adds depth to a Celtics frontcourt that now includes Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman, and Luka Garza, effectively closing the door on Horford’s return.
Boucher’s journey back to the NBA spotlight is a story in itself. After a brief stint with Golden State, he carved out a solid career in Toronto, with his peak performance coming in the 2020-21 season. That year, he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.9 blocks per game, shooting an impressive 51.4% from the field and 38.3% from beyond the arc, earning votes for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award. Last season, the 6’9” big man remained a reliable contributor, posting 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 50 games while shooting 49.2% from the floor and 36.3% from three. His versatility as a stretch big makes him a valuable addition to Boston’s evolving roster.
Meanwhile, the Warriors’ pursuit of Horford has been the talk of the league, though it’s currently stalled by the ongoing contract saga surrounding Jonathan Kuminga. The former seventh overall pick continues to hold out against Golden State’s contract offers, while the franchise has rebuffed multiple sign-and-trade proposals, most notably from the Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns. Until Kuminga’s situation is resolved, Horford’s official signing—along with potential deals for De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II—remains on hold, keeping fans on edge.
Interestingly, Boucher’s name had been floated as a possible reunion candidate for the Warriors, but reports suggest the franchise was never truly interested. According to Marcus Thompson of The Athletic, Golden State was never high on Boucher, with Thompson noting on the Warriors Plus Minus podcast that “they never were big fans of him.” Instead, the Warriors have set their sights on Horford, whose veteran leadership, defensive prowess, and championship pedigree make him a perfect fit for their title-contending aspirations.