Al Horford has been heavily linked to the Warriors throughout this summer's free agency in a move that would solve Golden State's need for a new big man. According to the latest reports, though, Horford is also considering retirement, which could revive a long-rumored trade between the Dubs and the Chicago Bulls involving Nikola Vucevic.
The Warriors seem enamored with Horford's skill set as a stretch big who can still contribute defensively. That desire for a floor-spacing center goes back to last year's trade deadline when Golden State and Chicago held discussions about a deal that would send Vucevic to the Bay Area.
A trade never came to fruition, however, partly because the Bulls were reportedly holding out for a first-round pick in exchange for their 34-year-old center. That seemed ludicrous at the time, but if Chicago is willing to lower its asking price and Horford does indeed call it a career, the Warriors may come back to the table.
Al Horford's retirement could reignite Bulls, Warriors Vucevic trade talks
Golden State lost long-time center Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans last week, necessitating the need for a new big man. With Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green two members of the team's core, adding floor spacing is paramount for the franchise this summer. Horford would certainly fit the bill.
In fact, he's been Golden State's top target this offseason, according to insider Marc Stein via The Stein Line Substack.
But Horford is now considering calling it quits before a 19th NBA season, according to Adam Himmelsbach of The Boston Globe (h/t Bleacher Report):
"“Horford’s future remains unclear. A league source said Monday that Horford is taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams but added that the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too.”"Adam Himmelsbach, The Boston Globe
While the future Hall of Famer's retirement would be a blow to the Warriors, it would be a significant positive development in the Bulls' search for a Vucevic trade partner.
Golden State's interest in Vucevic goes back to February's trade deadline, if not earlier. The idea of a deal that sends the 34-year-old, who will be playing on an expiring contract in 2025-26, to a contending team in need of a stretch five makes sense.
Chicago has no use for Vucevic, now or in the future, as it transitions to an up-tempo style of play that doesn't suit the 14-year veteran. The franchise is also skewing younger with its roster. If Horford does indeed retire, the Bulls and Warriors revisiting this deal makes too much sense not to happen.
