With several top free agent centers agreeing to deals, Al Horford’s decision will make waves.
The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Denver Nuggets have reportedly “expressed interest” in signing Boston Celtics free agent center Al Horford, according to a report by Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. Scotto added that the Celtics are also hoping to re-sign Horford. While other prominent free agent big men like Julius Randle, Naz Reid, Santi Aldama, Brook Lopez, Luke Kornet, and Clint Capela have already agreed to terms on new contracts, Horford is one of the few proven veteran centers still unsigned.
Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes per game (60 games) last season with the Celtics on .423/.363/.895 shooting. In 11 postseason games, Horford averaged 8.0 points,, 6.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists in 31.6 minutes per game on .472/.400/.857 shooting.
As the Warriors search for a solid rim protector who can stretch the floor and lessen the center workload on Draymond Green, Horford may be the last remaining free agent option that checks all of those boxes. Horford is far from a perfect player, and it’s hard to feel confident banking on a player who will turn 40 in June, but the Warriors have limited financial flexibility.
If the listed teams are the only competition for Horford, the Warriors would seem like the favorites. The Lakers have been more heavily linked to DeAndre Ayton, who is expected to become a free agent in a few days after he clears waivers following a buyout deal with the Blazers. The Cavaliers, Knicks, and Nuggets all have entrenched starting bigs at both power forward and center. Golden State is seemingly the only team (among the listed suitors) that can offer Horford a starting spot outside of Boston. Moreover, all of these teams are likely only in position to offer Horford the same contract, using the taxpayer mid-level exception.
While Horford was expected to finish his career with the Celtics, Jayson Tatum’s postseason injury has thwarted their championship hopes in 2025-26. At this point in his career, if Horford is hoping to play for a title once again, he will probably have to go elsewhere. The Celtics do have a financial advantage however, capable of using bird rights to offer him more than the taxpayer mid-level exception that the Warriors can offer.