Sources indicate that Al Horford, a seasoned big man, is set to join the Golden State Warriors under a contract spanning multiple years, as reported by ESPN. Horford’s departure from the Boston Celtics comes as a result of the financial constraints imposed by the second apron, leading the team to trade starters Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday, as well as lose key reserve Luke Kornet early in the free agency period, all in an effort to reduce their payroll. However, this loss for Boston translates into a gain for Golden State, as the Warriors acquire the precise type of big man they require to vie for the 2026 championship.
The Warriors employ a distinctive style of play on both offense and defense, which can be challenging for many players to adapt to. Defensively, they frequently switch assignments, demanding that big men defend on the perimeter. Offensively, they prioritize passing, relying on players to make swift and intelligent decisions. Crucially, for a center, they feature two players, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, who are not known for their prolific 3-point shooting, making 3-point proficiency at other positions essential. Horford meets all these criteria.
Even last season in Boston, at the age of 38, Horford maintained a defensive performance close to an All-Defense level. Since returning to Boston in 2022, he has shot over 39% from beyond the arc. At his best, he averaged as many as five assists per game, and although he may not have the same ball-handling opportunities with the Warriors, his passing skills and high basketball IQ will be highly valued. While Golden State will miss Kevon Looney, a long-time member of the dynasty who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, Horford represents a significant upgrade for a Warriors team focused on winning now.
Currently, the Celtics find themselves without a dependable center capable of starting. Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman, both bench players, remain on the roster, and they have added Luka Garza, a reserve from Minnesota. However, the center position is presently one of the most significant questions facing the team this offseason. Reports suggest they may consider re-routing Anfernee Simons, whom they acquired in the Holiday trade, potentially bringing in a big man in return. Otherwise, with limited financial resources and a shrinking pool of available free agents, the Celtics may find themselves short when the offseason concludes.
Although Horford may not finish his career in Boston, he will be remembered as an essential and respected figure of this era of Celtics basketball. He spent seven seasons in Boston across two different periods and played a vital role in their 2024 championship victory. Aside from Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown, he could be considered the most significant Celtic of the post-Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett era. His absence will be felt in Boston, but the opportunity to compete for a championship with Golden State proved too tempting to resist.
