Warriors Expected to Land $19 Million 5-Time NBA All-Star in Major Move

The Golden State Warriors appear to be on the verge of making the franchise’s first major move during NBA free agency. After a quiet start, Golden State is pushing to pry Boston Celtics legend Al Horford away from the historic NBA franchise.

The remaining question is how the Warriors will ultimately pull off the move. NBA insider Marc Stein once again reported that the widespread expectation around The Association is that Horford will sign with the Warriors, but Golden State is still figuring out the logistics on how to add the five-time All-Star.

“While having the full non-taxpayer midlevel would theoretically provide the Nuggets with the financial flexibility to offer a richer Year 1 salary to Boston Celtics free agent Al Horford that Golden State can pitch, I continue to hear that Horford is destined to land in the Bay Area,” Stein wrote in a July 6, 2025, story titled, “Sunday Best: LOTS of fresh NBA free agency and trade Intel.” “That’s despite the fact that the Warriors currently have only the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel to offer him.”

Let’s dive into Horford’s fit on the Warriors.

NBA Rumors: Al Horford Expected to Bolt Celtics for Warriors

Horford has played for three other NBA teams during his career, but the veteran is synonymous with Celtics green. The NBA champion center played three seasons with Boston from 2016 to 2019 before short stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder.

Horford then reunited with the Celtics in 2021 and spent the last four seasons in Boston. It appears Horford is on the verge of another breakup with the storied franchise as the veteran attempts to win a championship alongside Steph Curry and Draymond Green with the Warriors.

Al Horford Has Also Been Linked to the Lakers in NBA Free Agency

The center just completed a two-year, $19.5 million contract with Boston. It remains to be seen what kind of deal Horford will land, but the Warriors are limited given their current salary cap predicament.

The Los Angeles Lakers have also been linked to Horford, even after signing Deandre Ayton. Yet, it looks like the Lakers are going to miss out on landing Horford despite the ongoing NBA rumors.

“Even after signing Deandre Ayton, the Lakers remain in strong pursuit of Al Horford,” Forbes’ Evan Sidery detailed in a July 2, message on X. “Ideally, Los Angeles wants to add a pick-and-roll lob threat alongside a stretch-five. Signing Ayton and Horford would certainly accomplish that goal.”

Warriors Rumors: Golden State Looking to Land a 1st-Round Pick in a Sign-&-Trade for Jonathan Kuminga

As the Warriors appear to be on the verge of landing Horford, questions continue to surround Jonathan Kuminga’s future in the Bay Area. As a restricted free agent, the Warriors can match any offer Kuminga receives, but that does not necessarily mean the front office will do so in the coming weeks. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported that the Warriors are searching for a first-round pick in a potential sign-and-trade for Kuminga.

“The Golden State Warriors, according to league sources, have been searching for a promising young player plus a first-round pick in return for Kuminga, should they ultimately choose to part with him in a sign-and-trade scenario,” Slater detailed in a July 3, article titled, “The latest on Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors and his restricted free agency.” “They extended the $7.9 million qualifying offer to the 22-year-old wing and maintain the ability to match any contract he signs.

“… They’ve drawn inbound calls in recent days, most notably from the Sacramento Kings, who floated an offer of Devin Carter, Dario Šarić and two second-round picks, league sources said. The Warriors have so far balked at what they felt was a buy-low attempt, league sources said.”