‘All signs’ reportedly point to Celtics losing Al Horford in free agency to Western Conference contender
Horford became a free agent on Monday.
Al Horford’s second tenure with the Celtics might come to an end soon.
As the Celtics standout remains a free agent, “all signs” point to Horford signing a deal with the Warriors, The Stein Line‘s Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported.
The Warriors have been linked to Horford since the onset of free agency on Monday. It was first reported that Golden State had Horford as a “top target,” with the Warriors looking at acquiring a center this offseason as a “high priority,” according to The Athletic‘s Anthony Slater.
The possibility of the Celtics losing Horford to the Warriors seemingly grew not long after those reports on Monday. Later that day, longtime Warriors big man Kevon Looney agreed to a deal with the Pelicans, thinning Golden State’s depth at center.
While the Warriors have been strongly linked to Horford since the start of free agency, they aren’t the only Western Conference hopeful contender looking to add the Celtics’ big man. The Lakers have also been linked to Horford. Earlier in the week, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst indicated that the Lakers are one of the favorites to land Horford. Los Angeles is in the middle of remaking its big man depth this offseason, signing 2018 No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton and re-signing Jaxson Hayes.
Windhorst also mentioned that retirement is still on the table for Horford. Horford, who turned 39 in June, seemed to leave the door open for retirement in the first of his career when he spoke with reporters following the Celtics’ second-round playoff exit in May.
One option that seems less likely at this point, though, is Horford remaining with the Celtics. As multiple reports have indicated that the Warriors and Lakers as strong suitors, the Celtics are in a tricky spot to try and get Horford to remain in Boston. Of course, Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury dramatically changed Boston’s chances at winning a title next season. But financially, the Celtics are also in a tough spot as they’re right around the second luxury tax apron threshold.
Still, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens listed re-signing Horford and fellow big man Luke Kornet as the team’s top priorities entering free agency. They already lost Kornet, who agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the Spurs on Monday. If they lose Horford, their big man depth would become drastically thin. Neemias Queta, Xavier Tillman Sr., second-round rookie Amari Williams, and the recently signed Luka Garza are the only big men on the Celtics’ roster.
Horford had another standout season for the Celtics in 2024-25, which was his seventh in Boston. He averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks in 27.7 minutes per game, shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from deep.
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