Al Horford and the Golden State Warriors have finalized their long-awaited agreement. ESPN reported that veteran big man Al Horford is joining the Warriors on a multi-year contract. Horford’s representative announced on Sunday that he has agreed to join the team in free agency, according to Shams Charania of ESPN. Horford is the most recent victim of the Boston Celtics’ second apron. As part of their efforts to reduce money this summer, the team lost outstanding reserve Luke Kornet early in free agency and moved starters Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday.
Golden State Warriors signed Al Horford to strengthen the team and adapt to versatile playstyle
The Golden State reportedly gains from Boston’s loss because the Warriors are acquiring the kind of big man they need to contend for the 2026 title. According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Al Horford has agreed to a multiyear contract with the Golden State Warriors, guaranteeing that the renowned veteran big man will play in the NBA for the 19th time.However, the deal’s terms and the contract were not disclosed. As per Charania’s X post:“BREAKING: Free agent Al Horford has committed to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, agent Jason Glushon tells ESPN. After seven of the past nine years in Boston and winning the 2024 title, Horford will enter his 19th NBA season as the Warriors’ starting center..”He further said: “Horford verbally committed to the Warriors on Sunday, sources said.. The sides are working through the final financial terms, with a signing in the coming days after the final decision from restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, a source said.”Horford might prove to be an asset for the Warriors. They depend on their players to make quick judgements and pass more than any other club in the league. Most significantly, being able to shoot threes at any other position is essential for a center because they play two guys, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, who aren’t very good three-point shooters. Horford meets all the requirements.
Al Horford strengthens Golden State Warriors’ lineup as Boston Celtics face uncertainty at center position
Horford had his last five seasons playing for the Boston Celtics, starting as a center in their 2024 NBA championship season. He is going to be part of a Warriors squad that is seeking to stay competitive in Stephen Curry’s later years. During the 2023-24 season, Horford earned his first title with the Boston Celtics. Since being back in Boston in 2022, he has connected on more than 39% of his three-point attempts. Although he won’t have enough ball to contribute five assists per game as he did at his best, the Warriors will benefit much from his passing.Although Kevon Looney, who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, will be missed by Golden State, Horford is a significant improvement for a Warriors squad that is now loaded for victory.The Celtics do not currently have a center who is dependable and capable of starting. They signed Minnesota reserve Luka Garza to the roster, and bench players Xavier Tillman and Neemias Queta are still there. However, one of the biggest uncertainties is still regarding their center position. According to reports, they may attempt to reroute Anfernee Simons, whom they obtained in the Holiday trade, which might result in the acquisition of a big player. If not, the Celtics may fall behind because they have little spending money and a fast shrinking pool of free agents.Also read: Is Trey Murphy III on the move? Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs reportedly eye New Orleans Pelicans forward
