October 1: With Kuminga signed, the Warriors have now officially locked up Horford as well, the team confirmed in a press release (Twitter link).
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link), Horford’s deal is a two-year contract worth the taxpayer mid-level exception that includes a player option on year two. The deal should have a total value of $11.65MM.
September 28: Free agent big man Al Horford has agreed to a multiyear deal with the Warriors, agent Jason Glushon tells Shams Charania of ESPN.
According to Charania, Horford will be Golden State’s starting center as he enters his 19th NBA season.
As ESPN’s Anthony Slater tweets, the Warriors targeted Horford early on in free agency, and just before training camp is set to begin, he has officially committed to signing a multiyear deal. The exact terms of Horford’s contract are still up in the air due to Jonathan Kuminga‘s restricted free agency, Slater adds.
A source tells Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe (Twitter link) that Jayson Tatum‘s torn Achilles tendon and the departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis played a role in Horford’s decision to leave the Celtics after spending seven of the past nine years with the franchise, including winning a title in 2024. But it was still a difficult call to leave Boston, according to Himmelsbach, as Horford considers the city a second home.
Horford posted a thank you message (via Twitter) to both the organization and the city of Boston.
As Charania writes, the Warriors view Horford as an “ideal fit” next to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green due to his “size, floor-spacing, passing and defensive instincts.” Despite being 39 years old, Horford remains a stout and versatile defender, Charania notes.
According to Charania, Horford mulled retirement before committing to the Warriors, the team he had been linked to throughout the offseason.
A 6’9″ forward/center from the Dominican Republic, Horford was selected No. 3 overall in the 2007 draft following three standout years at Florida, having won back-to-back national championships with the Gators. He has been a strong NBA player for essentially his entire career, making five All-Star appearances, one All-NBA team, and one All-Defensive team.
Horford’s teams have also been highly successful, making several trips to the Eastern Conference Finals. He was part of the Celtics club that lost to Golden State in the 2022 NBA Finals before helping Boston break through with its 18th title — and first since 2008 — in 2024.
De’Anthony Melton and Gary Payton II are also expected to sign with the Warriors in the coming days, with Curry’s younger brother Seth Curry another player who has been linked to Golden State. The Warriors have a pair of unsigned second-round picks (Will Richard and Alex Toohey) as well, plus a qualifying offer out to two-way RFA Taran Armstrong.
Finally. Does that mean Kuminga signed?
Um no. It means the agent is tired of answering questions. Maybe Al too.
The first headline said “signing with…”. This doesn’t actually seem like news as it’s obvious at this point those three are going to sign with dubs once kuminga is settled.
Apparently “officially committed” is a thing.
(LOL)
It can mean only one thing. Horford can’t make more than midlevel. For them to sign-n-trade Kuminga. Cause of the money coming back. I am assuming Horford is getting more than the midlevel. Specially if they are expecting him to start. Soooooo
—- The Countdown —-
link to youtu.be
Seems over early. Kuminga will sign the QO and Warriors will sign the other FAs in waiting Melton, Payton and Curry. Cause by Kuminga signing the QO they will have the money to do it ……
Don’t see why you would want to keep him around the team now. At best he will backup Jimmy. And be part of a playoff run. Seems a lot to ask after last two yrs.
Didn’t see that coming….lol
A bit misleading. According to Shams, Horford has not signed, but only publicly stated an *intention* to sign after the Kuminga situation is resolved, which Shams expects will happen on Oct 1.
The article clearly says “to sign”. Nowhere does it say that Horford has already “signed”. Horford agreed to a multi year deal but has not yet “signed”
I can’t believe they are paying him more than midlevel. That’s what I got from article. He’s a good pickup for Warriors.
Watch out, MogaBalls. You correct aristotle like that and he’s bound to block you.
Really …..
I have a legitimate question. Why would Al sign with the Warriors of all teams? I mean, everyone can see how old the team is.
Their chances for a championship are there, but they’re not “championship contenders,” per se. They’re more like playoff contenders with second round possibilities.
What am I not seeing that big Al sees?
They offered the most guaranteed money?
Yep. That’s it.
A lot of minutes playing and a chance at a ring. Its not for money because he could get that with many teams. Difference is on many teams he would be considered a back up player.
Very few teams are paying a 39 yr old Hotford. Only a few would. And even less can. Warriors are a good fit. And offered top salary. Always about the money lol. Be thankful you got him.
True. No rebuild team is going for him. If you go down the list of teams ony 2 or 3 would want him. I view him as Looney with a better shot.
Wish Knicks could of signed him.
Knicks ran out of room but I thought the knicks did a good job building back up the bench. i like the back up center for the Knicks. One of those under the radar pick ups that will come up big.
Better chance of winning than the Celtics. Also, veteran players want to play with other veterans, and Al is a veteran and the warriors have lots of veterans. If the money were the same do you think he’d rather go back to Atlanta?
Celtics are at worst the 5th best team in the weak east where the Knicks are a contender. Warriors cannot beat the Thunder, Timberwolves, Nuggets, Rockets or Mavericks in a series.
Crazy talk. But watch, Celtics will be better than the Warriors. I bet they beat them twice in the reg season.
People are losing their minds on the Celtics. Plus Brad always has a plan. What is the Warriors plan, have Al shoot more 3s…lol ok see how that works out.
Al will regret this move, again.
The east is that bad. Only 3 good teams in the east and the rest are .500 teams at best. Celtics will be a play in team.
@CF
Lol, they beat the 2 seed Rockets in a series just last May.
He will regret this move like he regretted signing with the Sixers.
My guess is Boston told him they did not want to resign him and this was his only real option.
Celtics will have a better record than the Warriors and have a better chance at winning a title.
Does ANYONE really think old ass Steph and annoying ass Draymond can beat the Mavericks, Timberwolves, Thunder or Nuggets.
No. Stop.
Obviously, Boston has been trying to she salary. Horford signed with GS for more money. Don’t think he’ll regret making more money.
And I forgot the Rockets…Warriors cannot beat the Rockets even with a healthy Steph.
can you tell me the record the rockets has had in the last 5 playoff games against the warriors? what was that 0 and 5… Rockets has a banner up saying can’t beat the warriors..
they just did beat them….what a statement
The Rockets have basically zero experienced ball handlers/primary initiators. Cant trade a single player they would want to move. They are also hard capped and wont be able to sign a vet min till Jan.
So how is a team that was trash the last 3 seasons when FVV missed time going to be better than a GSW team that is like 14 deep with NBA rotation players, and only looks light at C if neither Post/TJD take a step forward in years 2/3?
The Wolves wouldnt have beat them if Butler/Curry/Moody/Podz werent all injured. Like the team they ran out in game 80 smokes the Wolves, who I think got meaningfully worse this offseason losing NAW.
the guy is just a bitter old Rocket’s fan. You can’t blame him when every year the warriors kick his team out of the playoffs. Bitter CF
I thought CF was a Celtics fan ?
that would even be more bitter knowing that teh Celtics choked in the finals against the warriors.
Arc, do you know what year it is? Or is Lebron still on the Cavs in your head too?
The Mavs are not a contender GTFO…
@CF
Celtics are in the weakest east in years. I bet the warriors sweep them this season.
Gary, you asked the right questions. Obviously, this isn’t a ring-chasing thing. My take is that the Warriors are the only team that can offer these 3 things:
1. $7M/yr
2. Starting role
3. High quality organization.
The Clippers and Nuggets were interested and had the money, but they both wanted a backup. Brook Lopez and Valunciunas fit better. The Lakers were also rumored to be interested, but then Ayton fell from the sky.
They are not contenders. Not many teams need AL. Gs time has ended just like the Chiefs. Every density has a ending. Maybe if they turn JK into something with out that last piece or two then yes. But I just don’t see a championship run unless there are injuries to OKC
Warriors also giving 2 yrs, and his son is Curry fan, lol.
MIchol- I hesitated to mention the 2 years because we don’t know the details.
I can’t imagine GSW guaranteed money to a player that will be 41 years old next season, but if they did, you’re right — that would be the biggest reason Horford would sign.
I believe that’s one way of giving him more money.
Guarantee that 2nd year, make it a player option.
He can do what he wants. He could sit at home with a bad back for all they care.
You can’t imagine the Golden State Warriors, who refuse to lock up their young guys while extending the oldest players on the team and trading for another very- I just realized I don’t need to make this point lmao.
Jello’s on me fellas.
@ Gary RSW
It’s fun to play with Steph and Jimmy.
Yes we agree you can’t see shhhh …..
Angry Al, try being nice. All you do is talk about commenters. Why? I’ve extended the olive branch. You should take it.
As far as the topic at hand, why do you think Al Horford is signing with the Golden State Warriors? Why SF and not another team?
Gary the Warriors fan … ….
who has come up with more excuses over two yrs. Than Davey J trades for Giannis. On Why Warriors don’t need a big a true center. Yet Warriors give up on Kuminga to sign one …… or was that just to go against me lol. Now that’s angry. Actually that seems more your style.
Go learn the game and to argue. Knowledge is not for everyone. You are such a fan you don’t know the value of Horford. You have to ask about him and use his age. Don’t you watch ball. Considering he was coming. You should have watched all his games last two years by now. Do we need to inform you about your own team’s values for talent. Only a true Red Stocking can do it this way. Gary is that classic fan who became a fan when the team finally becomes a good team. The Bandwagon run is coming to an end Gary. Time to put on the Red Stockings again ..,.
I like the Al Horford signing. What I’m wondering is the opinions of others here on why Al may come to the bay.
I’m creating conversation about Hoops and players. I’m curious what others think.
I think it’s a big signing even at 40 years old.
I did watch him play last year and I think he still has a lot to give, especially for a team that needs a big man who can still play.
I already know what I know. I write that stuff all the time.
I’m curious what others think or know so I can learn something.
I do that by asking questions in real life and I did the same here today.
As much as I would love to see you two bicker, you’re in the wrong here Al. Gary has been one of the only people on this board who claims to be a Warrior fan that has actual knowledge of the team’s history and understanding of what the Warriors franchise looked like well before the winning.
Gary is not a bandwagon fan. Plain and simple.
Not with me. It’s personal when it comes to me. I guess Cause I call them all crybabies. We are long past civility now. I just point out his ineptitude and personalized information lol.
Bandwagon fans defend their teams at all costs. Just for the sake of it. Which is what he’s done for two yrs with Kuminga and even Wiseman. Regardless of the truth.
He may not act like that with you. He does with me. I call that a bandwagon. Not anchored in reality or truth.
Great comment Al, you nailed it again. I really appreciate your perspective and thank you for writing it out here. Nice job. I think you have a good read on the situation and you spelled it out perfectly. Thanks again.
Perhaps he just wants to play with the team that passes the ball more than any other team
Dubs are loaded Melton & Seth will sign too.
yeah Melton and Seth are all star caliber players… oh wait nobody wanted them and they just got added to a team with three guys pushing 40 and the one young guy who is in a contract dispute.
Didnt Melton get cut by the 76ers? Seth did he play last year?
I am sure the Rockets, Thunder, Nuggets, TWolves and Mavericks are scared……….
Good role players so that your team has depth. Look at the Pacers, teams want to play lots of players and cycle them more. Both for managing season wear and tear, and for performance advantages of everybody goes hard, then everyone rests throughout the game.
Melton signed with GSW as a FA, and looked incredible as a fit until his ACL tore. He is a guy that would be making 20M a year if not for his health. If he stays healthy he is a huge bargain. Seth is a good shooting vet that plays hard and doesnt mind a DNPCD, oh and hes your main stars brother…
We should totally hold up the 6ers as brilliant though I mean they only signed Embiid to a monster extension, and PG to a deal no team would take. But no yeah they are a model franchise…
> Good role players so that your team has depth.
Call me concerned. This is a small, unathletic, and injury-prone bench. And, assuming Kuminga is gone in the next few months, there isn’t a 6th man. But, mostly, they’re taking a HUGE risk by adding injury-prone and unavailable players to the oldest group of starters in NBA history.
It’s what happens when you pay 3 players $145M.
Ari those are legitimate concerns. We’ll see how it plays out this year.
They’re going to ride this Curry train as long as they can.
But when he’s done, we’re done. Start over and hope to capture lightning in a bottle again in five years.
At least after you have like 2 supermaxs worth of cap room to play with.
I mean outside Will Richards this looks like 14 players that will all see time in the rotation on a semi regular basis.
Agreed.
Who is the Rockets point guard this year?
Sounds like you will lose sleep over it.
They are all injury proned players. Hopefully, they will be healthy.
Happy for Al he’s been a favorite Celtic of mine for years and deserves to go out how he wants.
I don’t understand why it took so long? The media was saying it’s because of the Kuminga situation but it obviously wasn’t since nothing has materialized on that front.
An old team got older.
The rest of the primary rotation are all under 30 outside the core 4. You gotta manage workloads, and hope they make it to the playoffs healthy.
Health is really the swing factor for this team. The talent they have if healthy is as good as anybody in the west besides OKC. They are a tough matchup for OKC though because the way they play screws up OKCs defensive strategy. If Steph gets hurt again they arent getting anywhere, but isnt that how its always been since ’13?
Health, but also a natural age-related decline. Steph is probably going to be fine, but Draymond can start to slip if he can’t keep up physically. And he has that lower back thing.
Also Butler, his game really depends on drawing fouls. It’s one of the things that players can’t keep up with age and all of them universally draw less FTA/FGA as they get older.
They don’t have enough talent to pick up the slack when they do load manage. That’s the issue especially in the West.
> The talent they have if healthy is as good as anybody in the
> West besides OKC.
You’re missing something. As of this minute, the sportsbooks give GSW from +2900 to +3500 to win a title. About 45 wins. Why? We project to have the oldest and least available roster in NBA history. Really.
(BTW, the odds have worsened considerably since mid-July (about +800), indicating negative response to these roster moves.)
First, the 4 aging starters (Steph, Jimmy, Draymond, and Horford) are projected to miss ~25 games and each will play less less than 1/2 GSW’s total minutes. (BTW, Horford played 60 games last year. He’s got a similar injury profile to Draymond and Jimmy.) This team will rarely be at full strength.
Given low starter availability, what about the bench? Unfortunately, the bench is also filled with highly unavailable players.
– Melton has played 6 and 38 games in the last 2 years. Fingers crossed.
– Seth Curry (35 yrs) has averaged 47 games per season over his career.
– GP2 (33 yrs) is less available than Seth. 62, 44, 22 games in last 3 years.
Podz, Moody, Hield, Post, and Santos each project to be available for 70 games. They will all play a LOT of minutes.
ari, another great comment. I think you nailed it here too. Those young guys are going to play a lot of minutes.
Podski, Moody, Hield, Post, and Santos are going to be asked to step up, and I think they will.
Another year under the belts of a couple of these young guys with the added confidence from playing last year will help.
We already know a lot about the other four, but perhaps Santos can actually have a regular role as a quality defender and spot up three point shooter? That would be nice to see.
Injury prone role players get waived if they are hurt long term. Or used as matching. Im perfectly ok with them cycling the 11-15th spots if they have injuries.
Dont forget that unless and until he is moved Kuminga is part of that young group too.
Someone tell him it’s 2025, not 2015.
I think Horford in ’15 wants more than 6M a year…
Don’t sign Payton. Sign Alec Burks instead
I get what you’re saying the problem is the rest of the roster is dependent on Curry or Butler. They are old. The grind of the regular season is real. That’s why I don’t count the bubble championship. If they played a few games right into the playoffs I have them as contenders but a 37, 36,35 and 39 year old is not grinding through the regular season and then matching up for the playoffs
YES!! I like the center depth now, assuming Post and TJD stay put.
TJD has to go. He’s just not that great. He worked at the time because he was a four year guy and you could plug him in real minutes.
But unless he’s worked on his game this summer, he’s not a player. He’s undersized, not a shot blocker, only a lob thread on offense. Doesn’t rebound that great. Defense is so so. One would think the Warriors could get someone better.
I completely agree but I do like him as a backup PF behind Draymond. He was a PF in college so yeah why is he playing C
@GaryRSW
TJD suffers from the Kerr minutes restrictions. He was 10th on the team in minutes in 62 games, behind Butler who only played in 30.
Per 36, he had more blocks than Draymond (1.7) and was 2nd to Looney in reb (11.6) and also had 15.2 pts per 36.
There’s no one better at his price ($2.2 mil)
TJD is what he is a guy who can’t shoot more than 2 feet from the basket. He is a 15th guy off the bench.
I, too, would like to see TJD play more.
Gary uninformed Warrior …. fan
“Achievements: Jackson-Davis finished his career as the all-time leader in rebounds (1,143) and blocks (270) for Indiana. He also received numerous accolades, including being named a consensus first-team All-American and winning the Karl Malone Award in 2023. “
He is a PF Gary. And old school 4. You probably need to look up old school. Not you when you were in school …. we all know Kerr doesn’t use 4s. Cause he already has one in Dra. So any big C or PF will have to play C if they want mins. Just ask Looney. Doesn’t make them Centers. Even Fox who is a 7 footer. Is not a true C. Your team doesn’t use true centers Gary. Cause their offense is not geared for them. And with Dra in his down yrs. Kerr wants bigs that can shoot. TJD is actually a decent PF prospect. Unfortunately Kerr doesn’t use him that way. Maybe understanding the game better. Will help you understand that. Knowledge is always a good thing. Time to get sone.
You want blocks Red Stockibg… get a rim protector.
Thank you, Al. That’s a really good comment. I appreciate your insight.
Until they run into the Nuggets in the playoffs.
Oh my God it’s finally actually happening. I’ve been waiting for too long. Now I’m also expecting GP2, Melton, and probably even Seth to sign. But now we gotta see and find out what Kuminga’s decision is first. And additionally, why is Mike Dunleavy taking too long to do something?????
Just got the news Melton is now also signing per Brett Siegel. Now we’re waiting for GP2 and Seth, alongside Kuminga’s position with the team.
It’s not up to Dunleavy to do anything. They’ve made the offers. It’s now JK‘s decision.
As far as the guy signing, we’ve known all along right? It’s just that now the public is seeing these guys at the airport or in town or whatever so they let the cat out of the bag for the reason why they’re in San Francisco (or San Diego for Jimmy’s pickup)
No big deal. These guys were always on board.
its a big decision for JK. Take the QO and lose $40 million on a second year or just get paid $48 million for 2 years? If he fails this year you can’t get the $40 million back. That is a huge amount of money that you need to make back up on you free agent deal next year.
At this point I’m just hoping the entire situation gets a happy ending because this is all super tricky for both sides.
He isn’t losing. He is gaining by leaving. He is guaranteed 7.9 mill for this tear. Something he has always known. The following year he will get 25 mill minimum. Why must you always talk him down.
I’ll be VERY surprised if he gets even $20 mil (if he signs the QO).
He needs to get on a team that will make him a starter and not get injured to get a pay day like that. I only see 2 roads he can be. The next Arenas or the next Oubre. Depends on how he matures in the league.
“This can go one of two ways. Good or bad”
Ok, GP2 signed as well now. Seth is the only one left expected to sign, and Kuminga is still the biggest roadblock the Warriors need to deal with. We’ll just have to wait and see, but it better happen quickly because there’s only like three days left. Hope it all goes well for both sides.
They may not sign a 15th man if the money doesnt let them right now.
link to youtu.be
—- The Countdown —-
Three days till Kuminga signs his QO 7.9 million.
Looks like this is a given now. I take from the wording of the offer. It is for more than the midlevel. That tells me Warriors are ready for Kuminga to sign his QO. Means no sign-n-trade. I thought Heat could make a play for him. Considering Lakers interest in Wiggins. Really surprised there weren’t good or decent offers for Kuminga. After all this time. I’m sure that has to be Warriors not wanting to pay him. Then ruin their chances at FA money. As we can clearly see now.
3 days still left.
Not sure this can happen. Can’t a team backload last two of a three yr contract. In order to trade for Kuminga at say 16 mill in first year. Seems like a bad idea to keep Kuminga all year.
@KnickAl,
The terms of the Horford offer are unreleased, and actually could depend on what Kuminga decides. Him signing the QO isn’t guaranteed.
Thats my point. All the reporting I have read. Says its a done deal. Go look at Boston papers and news outlets. He has already put out a statement to Boston fans. I am assuming he is getting a bigger contract than midlevel. Numbers aren’t out yet. But there is no way he can get more than 5.7 mill. Unless Kuminga signs QO. So it means Warriors are just waiting on that. Kuminga has till Wednesday to do it. But according to Warriors it’s a done deal.
I would be surprised if JK leaves that much money on the table by doing the QO. I am guessing his agnet is right now on the phone pitching him to many team promising he will sign a team friendly deal if they trade for Kuminga. Heat does have players they could trade for Kuminga. Kings should offer Ellis and a top ten protected 1st round pick. Lakers will not do anything because they think people want their bad players Vincent, kleber, and no defense Knecht.
I would be surprised as well. Warriors have also offered 3 years guaranteed at $54 mil, signing either deal is way smarter than signing the QO.
Think about it if he signs a 3 year deal at 75 million in his next contract it would be like signing for less than $20 million a year.
He will get his money next year. One tear away. Tgen it can even be more. Being a backup for 8 mill for a year is no big deal.
I hope that “multiyear deal” for a guy who is 39 means, like, two?
To me it does. It’s like those guys who teams sign in the last two weeks of the season and they say it’s a 2 year deal.
But really it’s for the last two weeks of the season counting as year one, and then non-guaranteed for year two as they’re cut in training camp or before.
That 2 year deal winds up being 2 weeks lol.
Dads army….this off season only puts the Warriors behind OKC….and Denver…and still the Rockets…and the Wolves….and probably the Mavs…possibly the Lakers. Not far off competing in the masters games, over 40s.