๐จ BREAKING: Al Horford Comes Out of Retirement to Sign with Golden State Warriors…………..
San Francisco, CA โ July 30, 2025 โ In a stunning turn of events, veteran NBA forward/center Al Horford is coming out of retirement and has agreed to a one-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, league sources confirmed Wednesday morning.
The 38-year-old five-time All-Star had previously announced his retirement at the end of the 2023โ2024 NBA season after a distinguished 17-year career, most recently with the Boston Celtics, where he played a key leadership role and helped guide the team to multiple playoff appearances. Many around the league believed Horford was finished with basketball, but insiders say Golden Stateโs competitive roster and veteran-friendly culture were pivotal in convincing him to return.
Veteran Presence for a New-Look Warriors
The move comes as part of a major offseason push by the Warriors front office, who are retooling their roster around superstar Stephen Curry while balancing youth development and championship aspirations. With Draymond Green sidelined indefinitely due to injury and uncertainty surrounding the future of Kevon Looney, Horfordโs arrival provides the Warriors with a much-needed stabilizing frontcourt presence.
โAlโs leadership, experience, and defensive versatility are exactly what we need in the locker room and on the floor,โ said Warriors GM Mike Dunleavy Jr. in a statement. โHeโs a consummate professional and still has plenty left in the tank.โ
Horford is expected to play a key bench role, backing up both the center and power forward positions. While he may not log heavy minutes, his ability to space the floor, make smart passes, and anchor a defense will be invaluable for a Warriors team looking to contend in a loaded Western Conference.
Why Now?
Sources close to Horford say he remained in elite shape during retirement and had been in private conversations with several contending teams since late June. However, it was a personal phone call from Stephen Curry, combined with a strong pitch from head coach Steve Kerr, that reportedly sealed the deal.
โAl is a guy who wins wherever he goes. Heโs the ultimate teammate,โ said Kerr. โWeโre thrilled to bring him into the fold.โ
Reaction Around the League
News of Horfordโs return has sparked wide reaction across the NBA. Former teammate Jayson Tatum posted โWow! Letโs go OG!! ๐ฅโ on X (formerly Twitter), while Warriors fans have flooded social media with excitement over the unexpected addition.
Analysts believe Horfordโs veteran IQ and playoff pedigree could prove critical, especially during high-leverage postseason moments. He holds career averages of 13.0 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists over more than 1,100 regular season games.
With training camp just weeks away, the Warriors now boast one of the leagueโs most experienced rosters, with Horford joining Curry, Klay Thompson, and recent addition Gary Trent Jr., as the franchise attempts to make one more deep playoff run.
Whatโs Next
Horford is expected to be formally introduced in a press conference later this week at Chase Center. His one-year deal is reportedly worth the veteran minimum with incentives tied to playoff performance.
Whether this ends in a farewell tour or one final ring chase, one thing is clear: Al Horford isnโt done yet. ๐
