The Golden State Warriors closed out the NBA season in disappointing fashion, exposing several weaknesses across their roster. As free agency opens, the Warriors are actively seeking reinforcements to support Stephen Curry and return to championship contention. One name near the top of their list reportedly belongs to a key member of the 2024 NBA champions—one teammate of Jayson Tatum in the Boston Celtics.
According to multiple reports from NBA insiders Marc Stein, Jake Fischer, and Anthony Slater of The Athletic, the Warriors are expected to aggressively pursue veteran center Al Horford when the free-agent negotiating period begins Monday at 6 p.m. ET. Both Stein and Fischer have labeled Horford a “top target” for Golden State.
Slater added that the Warriors plan to be highly active at the start of free agency, particularly in their search for experienced frontcourt players. Horford, who will turn 39 ahead of next season, is entering what would be his 19th year in the league and remains a high-impact contributor—especially on the defensive end.
This past NBA season, Horford started 42 of the 60 games he played for the Celtics, averaging 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.9 made three-pointers per game. He shot 42.3 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three-point range, showcasing his continued versatility on both ends of the court.
Horford also played a pivotal role in Boston’s 2024 championship run. His defensive awareness, ability to stretch the floor, and veteran leadership were all instrumental in helping the Celtics lift the Larry O’Brien Trophy. His presence in the locker room and on the hardwood would provide the Warriors with exactly the kind of experience they lacked this past season.
Golden State’s biggest issue in 2024-2025 was their lack of interior presence. They were consistently outmatched in the paint—struggling with both offensive and defensive rebounding. That weakness was on full display in matchups against the Houston Rockets, where Alperen Sengun dominated, and against the Minnesota Timberwolves, who capitalized with physical play from Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
With Draymond Green doing what he could, Quentin Post showing inexperience, and Kevon Looney looking a step slow, the Warriors were often overwhelmed down low. Horford’s arrival would address those concerns directly, giving Golden State a much-needed veteran anchor in the frontcourt.