The Golden State Warriors have been eagerly awaiting a resolution to their pursuit of veteran center Al Horford in the 2025 NBA free agency, but the latest developments have thrown their plans into disarray. Expectations were high that Horford, a five-time All-Star and NBA champion, would soon join the Warriors to bolster their frontcourt. However, NBA insider Marc J. Spears revealed on NBA Today that Horford was expected to sign with Golden State last week but did not, leaving the team in a precarious position. “Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn’t,” Spears stated. “Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta, I believe, are also interested.” This unexpected twist has introduced three formidable competitors—the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks—complicating the Warriors’ offseason strategy.
A Promising Fit Derailed
For weeks, the Warriors have been viewed as the frontrunners to land Horford, whose veteran presence, championship experience, and floor-spacing ability make him an ideal fit alongside stars like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler. The team’s need for a reliable center became more pressing after losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans. Horford, who averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from three-point range in 60 games with the Boston Celtics last season, was seen as the perfect solution. His high basketball IQ and defensive versatility would have given coach Steve Kerr more flexibility in rotations, allowing Draymond Green to play his natural power forward role while Trayce Jackson-Davis continues to develop.
Initial reports suggested the race for Horford was primarily between the Warriors and the Lakers, with Golden State holding the edge due to their championship aspirations and Horford’s fit within their system. However, the Warriors’ ongoing contract stalemate with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga has delayed their ability to finalize deals, including Horford’s. This delay appears to have opened the door for other teams to enter the fray, turning what seemed like a sure thing into a free agency battle.
New Contenders Emerge
The emergence of the Milwaukee Bucks and Atlanta Hawks as contenders for Horford’s signature has added a layer of complexity. The Lakers, led by LeBron James and Luka Dončić, remain a strong option despite recently bolstering their frontcourt with Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes. Their star power and championship potential could still sway Horford. The Bucks, with Giannis Antetokounmpo at the helm, see Horford’s shooting and basketball IQ as a way to balance their frontcourt and enhance their title hopes in a wide-open Eastern Conference. Meanwhile, the Hawks offer a unique appeal—a reunion with the team where Horford spent nine seasons and became a five-time All-Star. Atlanta, now featuring Onyeka Okongwu and Kristaps Porziņģis, could provide Horford with a comfortable landing spot close to his family, a factor that may weigh heavily given his ties to Atlanta and Boston.
Spears also hinted at a personal element influencing Horford’s decision, noting that his 10-year-old son, Ian, who loves basketball, could play a role in whether Horford continues his career. With a sixth child on the way and a family split between Atlanta and Boston, the idea of playing on the West Coast with the Warriors or Lakers may be less appealing than staying closer to home with the Hawks or even retiring. “He’s still considering retiring, he’s not in any hurry,” Spears added, underscoring the uncertainty surrounding Horford’s future.
Warriors’ Plans in Jeopardy
For the Warriors, the delay in securing Horford’s commitment is a significant setback. The team has been relatively quiet this offseason, with their pursuit of Horford and free agent wing De’Anthony Melton stalled by the unresolved Kuminga situation. NBA insider Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors are operating as if Horford will eventually join their roster, but the prolonged wait has raised doubts. If Horford opts for another team or chooses retirement, the Warriors could be left scrambling in a thinning free agency market for centers. Alternatives like Thomas Bryant or Bismack Biyombo have been mentioned, but neither offers the same combination of shooting, defense, and playoff experience as Horford.
The Warriors’ championship window, driven by Curry’s prime and Butler’s addition last season, hinges on adding the right pieces to complement their veteran core. Losing Horford to a competitor like the Lakers, Bucks, or Hawks would not only weaken their roster but also strengthen a rival, amplifying the stakes of this free agency saga.
Horford’s Legacy and Decision
At 39, Horford has little left to prove. A two-time NCAA champion at Florida, a five-time All-Star, and a key contributor to the Celtics’ 2024 title, his career is already Hall of Fame-worthy. His decision will likely prioritize fit, family, and the chance to compete for another championship. The Warriors offer a dynamic system and a strong title shot, but the pull of Atlanta’s familiarity, Milwaukee’s Eastern Conference opportunity, or the Lakers’ star-studded roster could sway him. Retirement remains a real possibility, especially if Horford feels his legacy is secure.
As the Warriors wait anxiously, their worst fear—that Horford could slip away to a competitor or retire—looms large. With the free agency landscape shifting and Kuminga’s contract still unresolved, Golden State’s front office faces a critical moment to salvage their offseason plans. For now, Horford holds the cards, and the NBA world is watching to see where the veteran big man will land—or if he’ll walk away from the game altogether.