Even though training camp is less than two weeks away, the Golden State Warriors are not done trying to upgrade their roster. The option they are most interested in is a former NBA champion.
The Warriors are still targeting veteran forward Al Horford, according to Anthony Slater and Shams Charania of ESPN. Golden State still has its taxpayer midlevel exception, and hopes to use it on the former NBA champion. That would entitle Horford to just under $5.7 million next season.
The Warriors’ interest in Horford is so well-known that it is one of the reasons Golden State’s veterans are not complaining about the team’s slow offseason. Horford is seen as such a likely addition that the likes of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green see him as part of the plan, even though he has yet to sign.
Horford has been on Golden State’s radar since July, and the team seemingly had expected to have him signed by now. However, there are no indications that Horford is being courted by anyone else at this stage. If he plays in 2025-26, it is overwhelmingly likely that he will be suiting up for Golden State.
Horford turned 39 in June, but can still play at a high enough level to contribute to an NBA roster. He averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per game for the Boston Celtics last season, and was still playing over 30 minutes per game in the NBA Playoffs.
The Warriors went 48-34 last season and lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference semi-finals in five games. The team wants to make one last run at a championship with Curry, and is clearly doubling down on veteran leadership.
