NBA Trade Rumors: Golden State Warriors Target $35.25 Million Toronto Raptors Big Man as Al Horford Backup Plan
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.
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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.
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