Latest news with #Horford
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
\
Throughout the summer, rumors have linked the Golden State Warriors with the addition of Al Horford. The free agent big man is expected to head to the Bay Area in what could be the final stop of his career. He's spent the past four years with the Boston Celtics, helping them win the 2024 NBA championship. However, Horford doesn't appear to be in a rush to make a final decision regarding his current free agency. He could still opt to retire now, rather than chasing another championship ring. There's also the concern that Golden State's negotiations with Jonathan Kuminga are slowing down the franchise's ability to strengthen last year's roster. During a recent appearance on ESPN's NBA Today, Anthony Slater detailed why losing out on Horford so late in the summer would be a tough blow for the Warriors, especially as Kevon Looney has already left the franchise. "All signs point to Al Horford," Slater said. "They're certainly interested in him. If they're not able to get that done, if Horford, who you hear is also mulling retirement, is not on the roster next year, it's a big miss by the Warriors as it's in their plans. They need a stretch five." Horford is the type of floor-spacing five the Warriors need. In recent years, he's become almost an exclusively perimeter-based threat, as he picks and chooses when to work out of the post or drive into the paint. He shot 36.3% from deep last season on 5.2 attempts per game, and 41.9% in 2023-24 on 4 attempts per game. Horford should fit well in Steve Kerr's five-out-based offense. Furthermore, Horford will add some positional versatility to the Warriors' defensive rotation. Even now, with him closing in on his 39th birthday, Horford can guard multiple positions on the floor, rebound in traffic and his understanding of angles makes him a high-level drive deterrent. Pairing him with Draymond Green could unlock a new level of defensive efficiency from the franchise. Unfortunately, Warriors fans may need to continue waiting for the veteran big man, as neither he nor the Warriors' front office appears to be in a rush to get the deal over the line. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
Time of India
5 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Target $35.25 Million Toronto Raptors Big Man as Al Horford Backup Plan
Golden State Warriors at Chicago Bulls (Image via Imagn) The Golden State Warriors are actively scouting alternatives as veteran Al Horford considers retirement and restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga remains unsigned. With Kevon Looney's departure to the New Orleans Pelicans, Golden State faces mounting pressure to reinforce its frontcourt—and one name rising to the top is 2-time NBA champion Chris Boucher . Uncertainty Surrounding Horford and Kuminga The Golden State Warriors have been eyeing 39-year-old Al Horford as a replacement for Looney, hoping his experience and leadership can help stabilize the team's interior defense. However, Kuminga's unresolved contract situation has complicated the process. Golden State is hesitant to finalize any deals before resolving Kuminga's holdout, which has become a key bottleneck in their offseason plans. ClutchPoints insider Brett Siegel shed light on the situation: 'The main reason Horford and Melton, or any other player, have yet to sign with the Warriors is because of Kuminga's holdout,' Siegel wrote Friday. (H/t: Sporting News) Chris Boucher (Image via Getty) Horford's uncertain status, with retirement reportedly on the table, adds another layer of complexity. If Horford chooses to walk away from the game or sign elsewhere, the Golden State Warriors are already considering contingency plans. Backup Options in the Wings: Chris Boucher and Trey Lyles Should Horford opt out, the Golden State Warriors have two primary candidates lined up: 1. Chris Boucher 2. Trey Lyles While both are currently waiting in free agency, Golden State seems to be the only team linked to Al Horford at this stage, especially after the conclusion of Summer League. Why Chris Boucher Fits the Golden State Warriors' System Chris Boucher stands out as a high-upside option due to his offensive versatility. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Up to 70% off | Libas Purple Days Sale Libas Undo The 32-year-old forward, listed at 6-foot-9, has steadily grown into a modern NBA big man with a reliable shooting stroke and solid ball-handling ability. Chris Boucher's 2023-24 Season Stats Games Played Points Per Game Rebounds Per Game 3PT% 3PA (Carrer High) 50 10.0 4.5 36.3% 3.9 Boucher's shooting range and agility could make him an ideal fit for the Warriors' motion-heavy offense. He isn't known for defensive dominance like Horford, but his ability to space the floor would complement Stephen Curry and help create more driving lanes and scoring opportunities. Trey Lyles: Another Viable Option Trey Lyles, a 10-year veteran, is also in the conversation. Known for his catch-and-shoot ability, Lyles would give the Golden State Warriors a different type of offensive tool—less dynamic off the dribble but more suited for spot-up shooting. Still, between the two, Boucher's all-around skillset may align better with Golden State's system. What's Next for Golden State? As Golden State navigates this turbulent offseason, the franchise must first resolve Kuminga's holdout before making any major roster decisions. But in the event that Horford declines their offer or retires, fans should expect swift movement on Boucher or Lyles. Brett Siegel summed it up best: 'Until Horford signs, these two are forced to wait in free agency.' Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: New York Knicks predicted to land $50 million Orlando Magic star to boost bench depth and improve title odds The clock is ticking, and the Golden State Warriors are clearly not sitting idle. Whether it's Horford, Boucher, or Lyles, Golden State appears determined to plug the void left by Looney and set itself up for a bounce-back campaign. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Predicted to Target $2,800,834 Miami Heat Center As Logical Backup Plan if Horford Deal Falls Through
Big Three of The Golden State Warriors (Image via Youtube: Chaz NBA) As NBA free agency thins out, the Golden State Warriors find themselves navigating a quiet market with only a few names still worth pursuing. According to Jeremy Kruger of The Sporting News, the Warriors are expected to land veterans Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton. However, neither deal is finalized, leaving the team to evaluate alternatives in case plans change — particularly at the center position. Thomas Bryant : A Practical Option for the Golden State Warriors If Horford Slips Away With Al Horford still unsigned, the Golden State Warriors are considering contingency plans to address their frontcourt needs. One potential target is 6-foot-10 center Thomas Bryant, who just played legitimate minutes in the 2024 NBA Finals with the Indiana Pacers. Bryant's 2023–24 Season Stats with Indiana Pacers: Category Stat Games Played 56 Points Per Game 6.9 Rebounds Per Game 3.9 Field Goal Percentage 51.5% Three-Point Percentage Nearly 35% While Bryant isn't a marquee signing, he presents a solid backup option. His efficient scoring, ability to stretch the floor, and decent rebounding could make him a reliable fit in Steve Kerr's system if Horford doesn't sign. Youth vs. Experience: Bryant Compared to Horford Thomas Bryant (Image via Getty) Al Horford remains the Golden State Warriors' preferred target, largely due to his intangibles. The 40-year-old brings extensive playoff experience, elite defensive IQ, and leadership that's hard to quantify. Thomas Bryant, though 13 years younger, lacks that level of battle-tested reliability and doesn't match Horford's playmaking or passing acumen. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pirates Climb Aboard Cargo Ship - Watch What The Captain Did Next Tips and Tricks Undo Horford vs. Bryant: Key Differences Attribute Al Horford Thomas Bryant Age 40 27 NBA Finals Experience Extensive Limited (2024 Finals) Passing/Playmaking High Below Average Three-Point Shooting ~38% ~35% Defensive Leadership Elite Developing Kruger emphasizes this comparison, stating, 'Bryant isn't battle-tested like Horford. Horford will bring a veteran savviness to the Warriors that is hard to measure.' Melton Deal Still in Play, But Questions Remain The Golden State Warriors are also reportedly eyeing De'Anthony Melton, but he is coming off a torn ACL — a factor that tempers expectations. While Melton offers perimeter defense and occasional scoring, there's uncertainty about his health and availability early in the season. Why Bryant Could Fit the Warriors' System If the Warriors lose out on Horford and opt not to take the injury risk with Melton, Bryant becomes a sensible addition. Here's why: - Floor spacing: Bryant's shooting from beyond the arc allows him to operate in a modern offense. - Postseason exposure: Playing in the NBA Finals last season gives him useful high-pressure experience. - Development potential: At 27, he still has room to grow — possibly under the mentorship of Draymond Green and Kevon Looney. Al Horford should remain the Golden State Warriors' top target in free agency due to his leadership and proven value in the postseason. But if that deal falls apart, pivoting to Thomas Bryant is a logical move. He brings serviceable production, Finals experience, and a modern offensive skill set — all while being younger and possibly more durable. Also read: NBA Trade Rumors: Blockbuster Proposal sends $52.6 million Los Angeles Lakers star to form terrifying trio with Dallas Mavericks Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving While not the flashiest move, it might be the smart one. For real-time updates, scores, and highlights, follow our live coverage of the India vs England Test match here. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Newsweek
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Report: Warriors Receive Major Al Horford Free Agency Update
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Golden State Warriors have been very quiet so far this offseason. As the team looks to figure out a way to win another championship with Stephen Curry leading the way, the team needs to bring in another piece or two at least. Since the start of NBA free agency, Al Horford has been a name connected to the Warriors. He has yet to sign a deal with a new team. In recent years with the Boston Celtics, Horford has been a big part of the puzzle. He helped lead them to a championship two years ago and would bring a major center upgrade for Golden State. Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play during the third quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in... Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics reacts after a play during the third quarter of Game Five of the 2024 NBA Finals against the Dallas Mavericks at TD Garden on June 17, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. More Photo byOf course, the Warriors have already lost veteran big man Kevon Looney. He left Golden State to sign a two-year, $16 million contract with the New Orleans Pelicans. Read more: Report: Celtics Showing Interest in Former No 1 Overall Pick That has left them needing Horford even more than they did when free agency originally opened. With that being said, a major new update has been revealed about the 39-year-old center. According to a report from NBA reporter Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors appear to have a verbal agreement in place with Horford. It sounds like he will sign with the team at some point in the near future. "Al Horford and De'Anthony Melton are widely expected to sign with the Warriors, sources said," Siegel wrote on X. "A handful of teams at NBA Summer League stated Horford and Melton already have verbal agreements in place with Golden State. Jonathan Kuminga's situation is holding these deals up." Those details make a lot of sense. Kuminga, who is a restricted free agent, has been rumored in a lot of potential sign-and-trade deals. Read more: Lakers Linked to Potential Trade for 2-Time All-Star Guard During the 2024-25 NBA season with the Celtics, Horford played in 60 games and made 42 starts. He averaged nine points per game to go along with 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks, while shooting 42.3 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from three-point range. Even as he heads towards the end of his basketball career, Horford can still be a high-impact player. If Golden State can get him signed, he will have a legitimate chance to be the team's starting center. Expect to hear more news about the Warriors and Horford in the near future. Kuminga's situation still needs to be figured out, but this is all good news for Golden State on the Horford front. For more on the Golden State Warriors and general NBA news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Yahoo
18-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Matt Vautour: Al Horford was a good player, but a great Celtic
If this is the end, and it looks like it is, Al Horford will go down as one of the most underrated Celtics in the history of the franchise. Meeting with the media earlier this week, Brad Stevens admitted, for financial reasons, it was unlikely that Horford would be back. He's pondering retirement while considering offers from the Warriors and Lakers. In a Celtics franchise whose history boasts some of the best players in the history of basketball, Horford was a good player. He was never a superstar or the face of the franchise. He averaged 11.2 points per game over his seven seasons in Boston and never more than 14.0 per game. Only one of his five All-Star selections came with Boston. But he impacted the Celtics nonetheless. In 2016, when he signed with Boston, which has historically struggled to land free agents, he gave the Celtics valuable credibility. It was the first piece of the building process that turned the franchise back into a perennial contender. A year later, they signed Gordon Hayward and traded for Kyrie Irving. Because of Hayward's injury and Irving's immaturity, those two didn't become the franchise-leading stars the Celtics had hoped they'd be. Still, the team continued to rise and Horford was a big reason why. Horford emerged as a mentor and steadying presence for Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum, who did evolve into the superstar tentpoles for last year's championship. Horford's professionalism, sacrifice and work ethic will be reflected in his younger teammates, long after he hangs up his high tops. 'Another guy that if he were to go and play somewhere else — I think Al's an all-time Celtic and a winner and did everything he could for this organization,' Brad Stevens said. 'Not only from the games, but also how he impacted our younger players.' Outtakes from a busy week... What do Messi, Clark, Ohtani and the Savannah Bananas have in common? At first glance, this should be a slow time on the sports calendar. Patriots camp is still few weeks off and baseball is in its pre-trade deadline, pre-pennant race stretch. But in Massachusetts, which has had a disappointing year for the local pro teams, July 2025 is showcasing visitors ranging from zany to iconic: Lionel Messi — New England Revolution coach Caleb Porter called the Inter Miami star the best player of all time. Messi vs. Pele is a terrific debate that will keep happening for years to come. But whether Messi is No. 1 or No. 2, he's still a legend who was at Gillette Stadium on Wednesday and drew a huge crowd to Foxborough to see him. Caitlin Clark — Clark is neither the greatest player of all time or the greatest player in the WNBA right now. But she's a star who is early in her climb. And her popularity in college has made her one of the most recognizable players and the biggest box office draws in the WNBA. Boston only hosts one Connecticut Sun game per year, so to get Clark at TD Garden on Tuesday is a big deal. Shohei Ohtani — There's no guarantee that he'll pitch, but baseball's power-hitting ace and the rest of the World Series-winning Dodgers will be at Fenway Park from July 25-27. Savannah Bananas — The barnstorming baseball circus remains one of the toughest tickets in all of sports. The novelty of the Harlem Globetrotter-style, rule-changing baseball club hasn't worn off. The Bananas sold out Fenway on back-to-back days on Fourth of July weekend. July continues an already good year. In addition to annual visitors Connor McDavid and LeBron James, Boston hosted the World Figure Skating Championships, and a terrific NHL 4 Nations Face-Off, which featured an overtime classic between USA vs. Canada. Alex Ovechkin visited just before breaking Wayne Gretzky's NHL career goal record and the 2025 Beanpot was especially loaded with future NHL players. French kissing doping scandal Ysaora Thibus is a silver medal-winning fencer, but a gold-medal caliber baloney-slinger. The Court of Arbitration for Sport overturned her four-year doping suspension for a positive test in January. Why? The CAS said it was in fact plausible that her positive test for Ostarine was caused by kissing her boyfriend repeatedly, who was using the banned substance. So in the future, as long as an athlete's significant other is using performance enhancers, they've got an alibi for a positive test? Given the notorious lore of the 'mingling' at the Olympic village, it's a wonder that more people don't test positive if smooching is all it takes. Why didn't A-Rod think of that? That is the best excuse to dodge punishment since I successfully fought a speeding ticket incurred while running an errand the day before I got married. 'Officer, there's no way I was driving that fast because I didn't want to get back to the house and all the pre-wedding chaos happening there.' Dismissed. Real Jeopardy! Clue Sports clues from actual editions of America's favorite quiz show. As always, mind the date CATEGORY: THERE ONCE WAS THIS MAN FROM...- $200: Dec. 11, 2019 Brazil / Who kicked a ball with some skill / Finding the holes / Scored 1,200-plus goals / & gave us 2 decades of thrill — Answer below The Top 5 We'll call these the Cal Raleigh All-Stars. 5 - Juan Pierre 4 - Jeff Montgomery 3 - Cal Raleigh 2 - Oscar Charleston 1 - Jacksons - Reggie, Shoeless Joe, Bo Today in Boston Sports History July 11 1914 — Babe Ruth makes pitching debut for the Boston Red Sox against Cleveland, getting the 4-3 victory over the Indians. Lightning round Caitlin Clark is David Pastrnak. Angel Reese is Cam Neely. If Missouri pitcher Sam Horn, a projected early-round pick in next week's MLB Draft is selected by the Red Sox, he could be celebrated on the Sons of Sam Horn despite not being the son of Sam Horn. In related news, Celtics Summer League big Kenny Lofton Jr. is the son of Kenny Lofton, but not THAT Kenny Lofton. MLB Pipeline's No. 44-ranked draft prospect is a player named Jack Bauer, a lefty pitcher from Indiana. His jersey number is exactly what you think it is. Even if Juan Soto was kidding when he complained about missing his All-Star bonus, when you sign a $765 million contract, there are no funny jokes about missing a check. If you missed ESPN's SportsCenter feature on Ezra French, USC's amazing disabled track star, read his story here. Real Jeopardy! Question: Who is Pele? Finally... Happy National French Fry Day to those who celebrate. Read the original article on MassLive.
