According to Kerr, Horford is set to ramp up his basketball activities over the next few days. The team is hopeful he can return to the floor by late this week.

If the timeline holds, the Warriors will finally have their veteran core—Curry, Horford, and Kristaps Porzingis—intact for the high-stakes final games of the regular season.

Stabilizing a shaky rotation

This “all hands on deck” scenario comes at a critical juncture for an organization that has struggled to find its footing lately. As the injury report grew, Kerr was forced to rely on deep-bench rotations and youth, a gamble that has yielded mixed results on the floor.

Horford’s season has been a stop-and-start affair; injuries have limited him to just half of the Warriors’ contests. While his raw stats (5.0 RPG, 1.2 BPG) might not jump off the page, his impact is measured in more than just box scores. His veteran presence and defensive IQ are exactly what a young, injury-riddled roster needs as the intensity ramps up for the postseason.

Horford’s impact

Despite the missed time, Horford remains the team’s most reliable defensive communicator. Even in limited action, he has tallied 50 blocks this season, proving he can still be the missing piece for a Warriors defense that has lacked consistent rim protection.

In a locker room full of young players forced into early minutes due to the team’s health woes, Horford’s experience is invaluable. He isn’t just a body on the floor; he’s the “coach on the court” for a team trying to survive the gauntlet of the Western Conference.

The final sprint

With a spot in the Play-In Tournament virtually locked in, the Warriors have four games remaining to fine-tune their chemistry. The goal is to have Horford active for at least the final two matchups to shake off any rust.

Golden State’s remaining schedule:

• April 7: vs. Sacramento Kings
• April 9: vs. Los Angeles Lakers
• April 10: at Sacramento Kings
• April 12: vs. L.A. Clippers

Stephen Curry has been ruled out for the Golden State Warriors’ matchup against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday due to illness. The two-time MVP was initially listed as questionable on the team’s injury report after missing the last couple of games, but the Warriors have since confirmed he will not play.

On the other hand, Al Horford is available to play against the Pacers. The veteran forward missed the game against the Denver Nuggets — a matchup where his defensive presence could have been crucial in containing Nikola Jokic’s impact in the paint.

The Warriors currently hold a 5-5 record, including two straight losses. They are coming off defeats to the Sacramento Kings and Denver Nuggets in NBA Cup play. Given the demanding schedule, the last thing Golden State fans want to see is more injury trouble — something that has unfortunately plagued the team early in the season.

Curry’s numbers so far

Curry has undoubtedly been the Warriors’ standout player this year, followed closely by Jimmy Butler III. The star guard is averaging 26.8 points and 1.5 steals per game, setting the tone for Golden State’s offense. His absence in the last two losses clearly showed how vital he remains to the team’s system and identity.

After opening the season 4-1, the Warriors have since slipped to 5-5, currently sitting eighth in the Western Conference standings. To make matters more challenging, the Dubs are about to embark on a tough six-game road trip that includes two back-to-back matchups.

Who steps up when Curry sits

Jimmy Butler has emerged as Golden State’s second-best option and currently ranks as the team’s second-highest scorer. If Curry remains sidelined, Butler will likely lead the charge against an aggressive Pacers squad eager to exploit any weakness.

Still, the Warriors need better defensive discipline from Draymond Green, who has shown signs of fatigue. Horford’s availability would certainly help manage that workload, but with the team being cautious under head coach Steve Kerr’s rotation plan, balancing minutes for a veteran roster continues to be one of the season’s biggest challenges.

Horford has decided to put retirement on hold and signed a two-year, $12 million deal with the Warriors. During the team’s press conference, the veteran big man addressed the media about his decision to delay retirement and explained why playing alongside Stephen Curry is an opportunity he couldn’t turn down, even though he entered the league two years earlier than Curry.

“Not at all, I knew I wanted to keep playing,” Horford said when asked if retirement was a serious consideration. Reports during free agency suggested he was torn between retirement and Golden State, but Horford made it clear there was never any real doubt in his mind.

“It’s a great opportunity to compete and to win at a high level. When I think about the Warriors, I think about Steph, Draymond, Steve Kerr, and seeing Jimmy Butler here and what he did in that second half of the season last year after the trade and how they’re playing. For me, if there was one place that I was going to leave for, it was this.”

Why did Horford choose the Warriors?

Many believed Horford would end his career in Boston, where he was widely beloved and had built a lasting legacy. But the veteran revealed why joining the Warriors felt like the right move at this stage of his career.

“Like I said earlier, it wasn’t an easy decision for me to leave Boston, but if there was a place, it was this one. And, it happened, and I happened to get this opportunity. So, I jumped at it,” Horford said. He also shared why teaming up with Stephen Curry carries a special meaning for him.

“I’m excited. I’m excited just to, you know, be able to be on the floor with him and not have to chase him around and try to contest him and all that. So, the fact that we’re on the same side is special for me, and I’m really going to try to take advantage and, you know, learn from him as much as I can.”

Horford’s true partnership

While Horford will share the floor with Curry, his strongest partnership may be with Draymond Green. The two veterans bring toughness, defensive intensity, and years of NBA playoff experience — a combination that could make Golden State’s frontcourt intimidating for any opponent. Horford acknowledged that dynamic.

“He sees the game in a very incredible way, and I’m just going to, you know, follow suit and really lean on him and lean on Draymond, to kind of show me the way,” Horford said.

The former All-Star and NBA champion spent most of his career with the Hawks and Celtics before finally winning his first title in 2024. Last season, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3% from beyond the arc, proving he still has plenty to offer as he embarks on this new chapter in Golden State.

According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, “Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II have officially agreed to sign their contracts with the Warriors once the Jonathan Kuminga holdout ends. Now, all eyes are on whether Kuminga accepts one of Golden State’s offers or takes his qualifying offer.” Siegel added, “Whether or not the Warriors will have enough money for Seth Curry comes down to Kuminga’s decision and his cap hit.”

Horford, Melton, Payton, and Will Richardson will receive standard contracts. Including Kuminga, that brings Golden State to 14 players on their roster, putting the Warriors in position to compete for the title next season.

Something else worth noting is that the Warriors need to carefully evaluate their options if they truly want to pursue Seth Curry. Bringing the Curry brothers together in Golden State could create both a marketing boost and an on-court dynamic that might help the team contend for another championship.

Warriors land Al Horford

The Warriors have reportedly agreed to terms with Al Horford, according to Shams Charania and Brett Siegel. Horford is expected to sign a multi-year deal with the Warriors, although the contract has not yet been finalized. The five-time All-Star leaves Boston after spending seven of the last nine years with the Celtics, where he helped them capture the 2024 NBA championship.

This move addresses one of the Warriors’ biggest needs: the center position. With Kevon Looney’s departure, Horford provides the size, versatility, and defensive presence that Golden State lacked. He also fits seamlessly into the Warriors’ system as a stretch big who can defend multiple positions and space the floor.

Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. He remained one of the NBA’s premier isolation defenders, holding opponents to a 46% effective field-goal percentage, which ranked seventh-best in the league.

The Warriors’ roster

With De’Anthony Melton adding depth and competition at point guard alongside Brandin Podziemski and Stephen Curry, plus the return of Gary Payton II—who knows the Warriors’ system inside out—the roster looks more balanced. And of course, the potential addition of Seth Curry would bring a unique storyline, pairing him with his brother, Golden State’s franchise cornerstone.

The Warriors’ roster entering the 2025–26 season (with some players still on the RFA market):

• Stephen Curry
• Jimmy Butler
• Draymond Green
• Al Horford
• Jonathan Kuminga*
• Buddy Hield
• Brandin Podziemski
• Moses Moody
• Gary Payton II
• De’Anthony Melton
• Trayce Jackson-Davis
• Gui Santos
• Quinten Post
• Will Richard

According to ClutchPoints’ Brett Siegel, the Warriors have agreed to terms with free-agent guard De’Anthony Melton. His contract can be officially signed once Jonathan Kuminga finalizes his deal—a scenario similar to Horford’s—which is expected by Wednesday at the latest. This move would bring Melton back to Golden State after he appeared in six games last year and was traded in the Dennis Schroder deal.

Even though he played just six games with the Warriors last season, Melton showed flashes of promise that should excite fans, especially coming off an ACL injury. In his final two games with Golden State, both as a starter, he averaged 16.5 points and 7.0 rebounds while shooting 50% from three-point range.

The rumors intensified when Melton posted an Instagram story wearing a Warriors uniform with the caption “WE NOT DONE,” though it was deleted minutes later. It appears nearly certain that he will be part of the roster next season.

Melton’s numbers before the injury

Before going down, the versatile guard averaged 10.3 points, 3.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game, contributing strong perimeter defense and secondary playmaking for Golden State.

Despite interest from other teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers, Melton chose to stay with the Warriors as he continues his rehab and prepares for the 2025–26 NBA season.

What Melton will bring

How the Warriors plan to use Melton remains to be seen, especially given the success Brandin Podziemski had at the end of last season when inserted into the starting lineup. Regardless, Golden State needed depth in the backcourt, and Melton provides exactly that—while adding pressure on Podziemski to compete for a spot in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation.

More additions on the horizon for the Warriors?

Reporting across multiple outlets links the Warriors to potential returns for Gary Payton II, as well as adding Seth Curry to join his brother. If both moves materialize, Golden State’s backcourt rotation would be strong, with Stephen Curry as the clear starter and options including Podziemski, Buddy Hield, Melton, Payton II, and Moses Moody competing to start alongside him.

On Sunday afternoon, it was reported by Brett Siegel and Shams Charania that Horford is set to sign a multi-year contract with the Warriors, though the deal has not yet been finalized. The five-time All-Star leaves Boston after spending seven of the last nine years with the Celtics, including helping them capture the 2024 NBA championship.

The main—and only—reason holding up the signing is Kuminga. According to Siegel, the Warriors are still negotiating with Kuminga on a potential multi-year deal or his qualifying offer, which means Horford’s contract won’t be official until a decision is made.

Golden State is not only focused on Horford. The franchise has other players in mind, including Seth Curry, but the expectation is that this saga will conclude soon. Horford represents a significant addition, providing a starting center with years of experience.

What Horford brings to the Warriors

The Warriors had long targeted Horford as their top free-agent option, but the signing was delayed while Golden State sorted through Kuminga’s restricted free agency status.

Last season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from three. He also remained one of the league’s best isolation defenders, holding opponents to a 46% effective field-goal percentage, seventh-best in the NBA.

Horford provides Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler with a pick-and-pop big man who can defend multiple positions and stretch the floor. He will be a welcome complement for Draymond Green, their defensive anchor, while Melton, if healthy, adds much-needed backcourt depth behind Curry and Brandin Podziemski.

The perfect fit for the Warriors system

The Warriors are known for their three-point-heavy style, but they had lost some of their interior presence. Horford is an ideal fit for their system. He also joins an exclusive historical club, becoming one of only four players in NBA history with at least 900 made threes and 1,300 blocks.

Following Shams Charania of ESPN reporting the move, Horford took to the social media platform X to express his gratitude to the Celtics‘ fan base. He shared a poignant message, writing, “From the moment we arrived, you welcomed my family and me with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart,” Horford wrote.

Horford continued: “Raising banner 18 with this city will be a moment I always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston.” Horford’s heartfelt words reflect the strong bond he formed with the Boston community during his tenure with the team.

With Horford joining the Golden State, all eyes are on Jonathan Kuminga. A key contributor in the Warriors’ successful playoff run, Kuminga now finds himself in a holding pattern, eagerly anticipating the team’s decision regarding his future role.

Horford’s impact with the Celtics

To grasp why Horford conveyed such a heartfelt message to the Boston Celtics’ organization, we must examine the profound impact he had during his tenure with the franchise. Despite spending only four of his 18 NBA seasons with Boston, his contributions left a lasting legacy.

After 17 seasons in pursuit of an NBA title, Horford finally achieved his goal with the Celtics. The breakthrough came in the 2023-2024 season when Boston clinched the championship. Horford’s remarkable defensive performances were instrumental, as he averaged 6.4 rebounds during the regular season and led the league with a .721 two-point shooting percentage, maintaining this lead through the postseason.

Horford’s epic contribution to Boston’s championship victory is something fans will cherish forever. He resonated with the fan base, and the team exuded great chemistry and morale. His role in the franchise’s recent triumph ensures that he will be remembered as a pivotal part of the Celtics’ storied history.

According to Shams Charania on X, formerly known as Twitter, Al Horford has inked a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors. This acquisition fulfills the franchise’s quest for a seasoned big man who can elevate its playoff performance. Horford’s veteran presence promises to bolster its postseason ambitions, especially considering his solid performance last season with the Boston Celtics.

Despite securing his arrival, the Warriors still need to finalize an agreement with Jonathan Kuminga to determine Al Horford’s exact contract, Anthony Slater reports.

However, the franchise aims to offer the veteran center a multi-year deal, showcasing its commitment to keep him as a season starter. With his arrival to the roster, Warriors projected lineup for the 2025-26 NBA season could look as follows:

• PG: Stephen Curry
• SG: Brandin Podziemski/Buddy Hield
• SF: Jimmy Butler
• PF: Draymond Green
• C: Al Horford

Warriors reportedly secure more additions to their roster ahead of the upcoming season

Although the Warriors have reportedly secured veteran Al Horford, head coach Steve Kerr might soon welcome additional reinforcements. According to insider Marc Stein, the front office is targeting Seth Curry, who is now a free agent after exiting the Charlotte Hornets. While Curry’s arrival might not impact the starting lineup directly, it holds the potential to significantly enhance the team’s rotation.

Not only Seth, but De’Anthony Melton could also bolster the Warriors’ roster. According to Brett Siegel, the 27-year-old has agreed to re-sign with the team after recovering from his injury. With these potential additions, the team aims to mount a strong championship campaign in the 2025-26 season. Its strategy focuses on building a deeper bench, which could be pivotal in making a significant impact during the postseason.

According to Anthony Slater, Horford is in no rush to join the Warriors, as he has other options on the table. “Horford is comfortable waiting. Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season.”

If the deal materializes, Horford would likely become the Warriors’ starting center, reducing the regular-season workload for Draymond Green — a top priority for the franchise. His passing and defensive versatility would fit seamlessly into the Warriors’ system, and his ability to stretch the floor from the center position is something the Warriors have lacked in recent years.

Financially, Horford represents a low-risk addition. At 39, he is no longer expected to play heavy back-to-back minutes, and the Warriors would not rely on him for 25 minutes every night. Instead, they would aim to have him fresh and available for high-leverage games while creating lineup flexibility — particularly benefiting downhill attackers like Kuminga.

However, the Warriors’ plans for Horford remain intertwined with Kuminga’s future. If the long-term vision is to pair Horford with Kuminga to maximize the young forward’s potential, it would make little sense to move on from Kuminga now. That appears to be the balance the front office is trying to strike.

Beyond his on-court production, Horford could have a major impact on the Warriors’ locker room. His leadership and professionalism could serve as a valuable example for young centers like Quentin Post and Trayce Jackson-Davis. Learning from a seasoned veteran with championship experience could accelerate their development.

The potential downside is that Post and Jackson-Davis might see reduced minutes if Horford joins. Still, those concerns could be addressed over the course of the season. If the Warriors finalize this deal, they could position themselves as legitimate contenders next year — blending veteran experience with young talent.

Players such as Buddy Hield, Brandin Podziemski, Post, Jackson-Davis, and potentially Kuminga would be surrounded by some of the era’s most accomplished stars, including Jimmy Butler, Horford (if acquired), Stephen Curry, and Green. That mix of youth and championship pedigree could make the Warriors one of the league’s most intriguing teams to watch next NBA season.

According to NBA insider Jake Weinbach, the Warriors reportedly have verbal agreements in place with free agents Al Horford, De’Anthony Melton, and Gary Payton II. These additions would help stabilize the roster and provide much-needed depth heading into the new season.

However, none of these deals can become official until the situation surrounding Jonathan Kuminga is resolved. Golden State’s spending flexibility remains restricted by the NBA’s hard cap rules, particularly the first and second apron triggers, which limit movement unless cap space is cleared.

Gary Payton II recently offered insight into why neither he nor Horford have officially joined the Warriors during the preseason. According to the guard, everything is on hold due to Kuminga’s status, which continues to affect the team’s decision-making process.

In a conversation with ESPN’s Malika Andrews, NBA insider Marc J. Spears noted that the Warriors currently have only nine players under contract. Spears recalled a recent exchange with Payton, saying, “I ran into Gary Payton II two days ago and asked, ‘What’s going on?’ He said, ‘Waiting on JK (Jonathan Kuminga). Horford is. Everybody is.’”

The topic came up on Thursday’s edition of NBA Today on ESPN, where Andrews was joined by Kendrick Perkins, Marc J. Spears, Shams Charania, and Anthony Slater. The panel discussed the contract complications involving Kuminga and how they’re impacting Golden State’s offseason strategy.

Kuminga is a restricted free agent and remains at the center of multiple trade talks. Several teams, including the Sacramento Kings and the Phoenix Suns, have shown interest in acquiring him. However, the Warriors have yet to receive an offer they find acceptable.

The Warriors currently have an “incomplete” on their offseason report card. Until the organization resolves the situation with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, there is little general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. can do to reshape the roster. That said, some plans may already be in motion.

NBA insider Marc Stein reports that Golden State is eyeing two veteran additions. “I appeared Tuesday on 95.7 The Game in the Bay Area and will repeat here what I said there: 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 on The Stein Line.

NBA analyst Brett Siegel also highlighted Horford and Melton as key targets for the Warriors in an article last week. Should Kuminga end up elsewhere, the team would need to fill a major void in production and minutes. Both players could help stabilize the rotation and bring experience or energy to a roster in transition.

Despite everything Kevon Looney has given the franchise, adding Al Horford would represent a clear upgrade. Even at 39 years old, the five-time All-Star continues to make an impact on both ends of the floor. He shot 36.3 percent from three last season, and his ability to stretch the floor and defend at a high level makes him an ideal fit in Golden State’s system. Horford has also started 189 playoff games and owns a championship ring.

That kind of experience and versatility fits perfectly with how the Warriors play — a system built on spacing, movement, and long-range shooting. Horford’s ability to contribute in all of those areas makes him a valuable addition.

To balance out the veteran presence, Melton could bring some much-needed youth and energy. A reunion would give fans a full-season look at what he can offer. He averages 9.1 points per game on 36.9 percent shooting from beyond the arc in his seven-year NBA career and is also regarded as a reliable perimeter defender.