Welcome to the Golden State Warriors, Al Horford: A Game-Changing Signing for the Starting Center Role

On September 16, 2025, NBA insider Evan Sidery reported that veteran center Al Horford plans to sign with the Golden State Warriors to become their starting center, a move that has sent ripples of excitement through the Warriors’ fanbase and the broader NBA community. This long-anticipated signing, which hinges on the resolution of Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency situation, marks a significant step in Golden State’s quest to bolster their frontcourt and remain competitive in the Western Conference for the 2025-26 season. Horford, a five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics, brings a wealth of experience, versatility, and leadership to a Warriors team looking to reclaim championship glory. This article delves into the implications of Horford’s signing, his fit with the Warriors, fan reactions, and the road ahead for the franchise.

The Context of Horford’s Signing

The Golden State Warriors have had a quiet offseason, with their roster moves largely stalled due to ongoing contract negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga. With only nine players currently under contract, the Warriors have been unable to finalize deals with several targeted free agents, including Horford, until Kuminga’s situation is resolved. According to ESPN’s Anthony Slater, Horford has a verbal agreement with Golden State and intends to join the team as their starting center once the Kuminga impasse is settled. This delay has kept fans and analysts on edge, but the confirmation of Horford’s plans has reignited optimism about the Warriors’ prospects for the upcoming season.

Horford’s decision to join Golden State comes after a storied tenure with the Boston Celtics, where he played a pivotal role in their 2024 NBA championship run. At 39 years old, Horford is in the twilight of his career, but his performance last season—averaging 9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 60 games—demonstrates that he remains a valuable asset. His departure from Boston was influenced by the Celtics’ shift toward a retooling phase, particularly after Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, which diminished their title hopes for 2025-26. Horford, eager to chase a second championship, sees Golden State as the ideal destination to achieve that goal alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Why Al Horford is a Perfect Fit for the Warriors

Horford’s addition to the Warriors addresses a critical need for size and experience in the frontcourt, especially after the departure of Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans in June 2025. The Warriors’ current center options, including Trayce Jackson-Davis and Quinten Post, have shown promise but lack the veteran presence and versatility that Horford brings. His unique skill set makes him an ideal fit for Steve Kerr’s motion offense, which relies on spacing, ball movement, and defensive flexibility.

Offensive Versatility

Horford is one of only four active NBA players with over 1,000 blocks and 750 three-pointers, a testament to his ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor. Last season, he shot 36.3% from three-point range and an impressive 41.9% during Boston’s championship run, showcasing his ability to stretch the floor. This floor-spacing ability is crucial for the Warriors, as it will pull opposing rim protectors away from the paint, creating driving lanes for Stephen Curry’s gravity-defying moves and off-ball wizardry. Horford’s high basketball IQ and passing skills further complement Kerr’s system, allowing him to facilitate offense from the center position and keep the ball moving.

Defensive Acumen

Defensively, Horford’s versatility is a major asset. His ability to switch onto smaller players, protect the rim, and anchor the paint addresses a key weakness exposed in the Warriors’ 2025 playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves. Trayce Jackson-Davis struggled against bigger opponents, and moving Draymond Green to the center spot limited his defensive impact. Horford’s presence provides a dependable anchor, allowing Green to roam as a help defender while Horford handles traditional center duties. His 1,000-plus career blocks highlight his rim protection, which will be critical against Western Conference bigs like Nikola Jokić and Anthony Davis.

Veteran Leadership

At 39, Horford brings invaluable leadership to a Warriors roster that blends veterans like Curry, Green, and Butler with younger players like Kuminga and Moses Moody. His experience in high-stakes playoff games, including the 2024 Finals, will guide Golden State’s younger players through the pressures of a championship chase. Horford’s professionalism and work ethic have been praised by teammates and coaches alike, making him a stabilizing force in the locker room.

The Financial and Roster Implications

Horford is projected to sign a two-year, $11.7 million deal with the Warriors, utilizing the taxpayer mid-level exception, with a player option for the 2026-27 season. This contract structure aligns with Golden State’s financial constraints, as they navigate the luxury tax aprons while awaiting clarity on Kuminga’s contract. The Warriors’ ability to sign Horford without exceeding the second apron depends on resolving Kuminga’s situation, which could involve a sign-and-trade or a new contract worth up to $7.9 million for the 2025-26 season.

The addition of Horford reshapes the Warriors’ roster strategy. With Horford slotted as the starting center, the team is less likely to pursue other veteran bigs like Trey Lyles or Chris Boucher, who were considered backup options. This move also reduces the urgency to trade for additional frontcourt depth, allowing the Warriors to focus on backcourt or wing improvements. Horford’s contract provides flexibility, as his player option gives him the choice to retire or continue playing after the 2025-26 season, depending on his health and performance.

Fan Reactions: Excitement and Optimism

Warriors fans have taken to social media, particularly X, to express their excitement about Horford’s impending arrival. Posts reflect a sense of optimism about the veteran’s ability to elevate the team’s championship prospects. One fan wrote, “Al Horford to the Warriors? That’s huge! His shooting and defense are exactly what we need to get back to the Finals.” Another user posted, “Steph, Jimmy, and now Horford? This team is stacked for a title run. Let’s go, Dubs!” These reactions highlight the fanbase’s belief that Horford’s addition could be the missing piece for another championship.

However, some fans have expressed concerns about Horford’s age and durability. At 39, Horford has not played more than 70 games in a season since 2017-18, and the Warriors will need him to stay healthy to compete in the grueling Western Conference. One X user noted, “Horford’s a great fit, but can he handle 60+ games at his age? We need him fresh for the playoffs.” Despite these concerns, the overall sentiment is positive, with fans eager to see Horford don the Warriors’ blue and gold.

Challenges and Expectations

While Horford’s signing is a coup for the Warriors, it comes with challenges. His workload will need to be managed carefully to preserve his health for the postseason. Kerr is likely to use Horford as a situational starter, resting him during back-to-backs and relying on Jackson-Davis or Post for spot minutes. Additionally, Horford’s integration into the Warriors’ fast-paced system will require an adjustment period, particularly in syncing with Curry and Butler’s dynamic playstyles.

The resolution of Kuminga’s contract situation remains a critical hurdle. If Kuminga is traded or signs a new deal, it will unlock the Warriors’ ability to finalize Horford’s contract and potentially add other free agents like De’Anthony Melton or Gary Payton II. The uncertainty surrounding Kuminga has frustrated fans, but Horford’s commitment to wait out the process suggests confidence in the Warriors’ front office to resolve the stalemate.

The Road Ahead for the Warriors

With Horford in the fold, the Warriors are poised to be among the top teams in the Western Conference. Their projected starting lineup of Curry, Buddy Hield, Butler, Green, and Horford combines elite shooting, playmaking, and defensive versatility. This group has the potential to rival the league’s best, particularly if Horford can replicate his playoff performance from 2024. The Warriors’ championship aspirations hinge on Curry’s continued brilliance, Butler’s two-way dominance, and Horford’s ability to anchor the frontcourt.

The 2025-26 season, set to begin in late October, will test the Warriors’ revamped roster. Key matchups against teams like the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Phoenix Suns will reveal whether Horford’s addition propels Golden State back to the NBA’s elite. A successful season could see the Warriors return to the Finals for the first time since 2022, when they defeated Horford’s Celtics in six games.

 A New Chapter for the Warriors

Al Horford’s decision to join the Golden State Warriors as their starting center is a transformative moment for the franchise. His floor-spacing, defensive prowess, and veteran leadership address critical needs, positioning the Warriors as serious contenders for the 2025-26 NBA championship. While challenges remain—namely Kuminga’s contract situation and Horford’s age—the excitement surrounding this signing is palpable. Warriors fans, analysts, and players alike are eager to see how Horford’s addition reshapes the team’s identity and fuels their pursuit of a fifth title in the Curry era. As the offseason progresses, all eyes will be on Golden State to finalize this deal and welcome Horford to the Bay Area, marking the start of a thrilling new chapter in Warriors basketball.