Latest news with #Horford
Newsweek
a day ago
- 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
4 days ago
- 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.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Sport
- Time of India
NBA Free Agency Rumors: Veteran insider predicts the Golden State Warriors might bag $19,500,000 Celtics star to shake up roster and bolster title push
The Big 3 of the Golden State Warriors (Image via Youtube:Chazz NBA) While much of the NBA has been active in reshaping rosters, the Golden State Warriors have taken a different route — calculating, patient, and focused. Now, that patience seems poised to pay off. The Warriors are reportedly in serious talks to bring in veteran forward-center Al Horford , a move that signals more than just a roster tweak. Horford Signing Gaining Momentum NBA insider Marc Stein recently shared his expectations on The Willard & Dibs Show, saying: 'My expectation is that one way or the other, the Golden State Warriors are going to end up with both Horford and Melton on their roster. [And] they still have interest in Bradley Beal.' (H/t: Sporting News) While the Warriors have yet to finalize any of these deals, Horford's name has repeatedly surfaced in conversations surrounding the franchise. His potential addition could fill a much-needed void at the center position, allowing Golden State to rest defensive anchor Draymond Green more often during the regular season. What Al Horford Brings to the Golden State Warriors Al Horford (Image via Getty) Despite turning 40 next season, Al Horford remains a valuable asset — particularly for a team that emphasizes floor spacing and high-IQ basketball. Though he may no longer have the agility or endurance of his prime years, Horford still holds immense strategic value. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like [속보]'한 달만에 5cm 성장!?' 2개월치 무료증정 압도적 키성장 1위! 아이클타임 더 알아보기 Undo Key Benefits of Signing Horford: - Stretch Five Ability: Horford is a proven floor spacer with a career 36.4% shooting rate from beyond the arc. - Veteran Leadership: With years of playoff experience, Horford can mentor younger players and provide a calming presence. - Frontcourt Depth: His presence would reduce the physical toll on Draymond Green, especially through the grind of an 82-game season. Shooting Stats Snapshot: Season 3PT Percentage Career Avg. 36.4% 2021–22 42.9% 2022–23 44.6% 2023–24 Dip in form While his three-point accuracy dipped last season, Al Horford had shot over 40% from long range in the two seasons prior. With Stephen Curry commanding defensive attention, Horford is expected to receive high-quality catch-and-shoot opportunities. Golden State Warriors' Roster Strategy Taking Shape If the Golden State Warriors succeed in acquiring Horford, they are likely to use him as a regular-season starter at center, preserving Green for high-leverage moments and postseason battles. In addition to Horford, the franchise continues to pursue De'Anthony Melton — a gritty two-way guard — and reportedly maintains interest in Bradley Beal. These potential acquisitions would strengthen both the starting lineup and the bench unit, reinforcing Golden State's ambitions to return to championship contention. Although no deals have been made official, the expectation is that the Warriors will finalize at least one high-profile signing before the offseason wraps up. Horford appears to be the most likely target to arrive first, followed possibly by Melton. As Jeremy Kruger reported, 'The Warriors and Al Horford have been linked since the beginning of free agency,' underscoring the persistent buzz surrounding the veteran's potential arrival in the Bay Area. Also read: NBA Free Agency Rumors: Golden State Warriors predicted to re-sign #12.8 million veteran guard to support Stephen Curry and improve championship odds With the clock ticking and the Western Conference reloading across the board, the Golden State Warriors can't afford to remain passive. If they manage to secure Al Horford and build around their core, they might just stay in the thick of the playoff race come next April. Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
USA Today
15-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Golden State Warriors' patience is being tested in Al Horford pursuit
Marc Spears on Al Horford:"Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn't. Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta I believe are also still considering retiring, he's not in any hurry. You know who I think's gonna be in this decision: His 10-year son" The Golden State Warriors have endured a slow start to the offseason. Other than losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans, there have been no incomings or outgoings from the Bay Area. Reports have consistently linked Al Horford with a move to Golden State, as the veteran big man weighs up his options after his deal with the Boston Celtics expired. Unfortunately, Horford's decision appears to be taking longer than expected. According to Marc J. Spears, who was speaking via a recent episode of ESPN's NBA Today, the Warriors were expecting the forward to sign with the franchise last week. "Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn't,' Spears reported. '(The) Lakers, Milwaukee, and the Atlanta, I believe, are also interested in this 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table. He's still considering retiring; he's not in any hurry.' Horford's tenure with the Celtics appears to be over. However, there doesn't appear to be a guarantee that he will land with Steve Kerr's team ahead of the new season. The Warriors must move to get a commitment from the veteran big man; otherwise, they may need to turn their attention elsewhere. There's no denying that Horford would be a valuable addition to the Warriors' rotation. His skill set would plug multiple gaps in the current rotation and improve the roster on both sides of the floor. However, Golden State can't risk missing out on other potential additions while they wait on his decision. As such, the Warriors could be wise to set a deadline for Horford's decision, and if nothing materializes, they should begin casting a wider net. This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!
New York Post
15-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
What's behind the Warriors' stunning lack of free agency moves
Nine years ago, the Warriors made perhaps the most absurd free agency signing in NBA history when they added Kevin Durant to their 73-9 squad. Fast forward to 2025, and Golden State has stood pat two weeks into free agency and is the only team to have not made a single move so far. Just two players are expected to be the ones to thrust the front office into action: Jonathan Kuminga and Al Horford. 3 Free agent Al Horford has reportedly received interest from the Warriors, Lakers, Bucks and Hawks. NBAE via Getty Images The Celtics big man has been rumored all throughout free agency to join the Warriors, yet the progress on it actually happening has seemingly been stagnant. 'Golden State expected him to sign last week, he didn't,' Marc Spears reported on ESPN's 'NBA Today' on Monday. Golden State seems like the favored landing spot for Horford, but the big man is still mulling. 'Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta I believe are also interested in the nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table,' Spears continued. 'He's still considering retiring, he's not in any hurry, he's got a sixth kid coming on the way.' Kuminga, a restricted free agent, is the other piece of the puzzle for the Warriors. They extended him a $7.5 million qualifying offer but are hesitant to offer him anything expensive long-term with questions surrounding his team fit, as head coach Steve Kerr often seemed to struggle finding a place for the former No. 7 draft pick in his rotations. 3 NBAE via Getty Images The stalemate with the 22-year-old wing is reportedly what's held up Golden State's offseason. 'The Warriors have not made a move yet this offseason because a lot of what they're going to do, or trying to do, hinges on [Kuminga's] restricted free agency,' ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania said on Sirius XM radio. 'Does he come back on a deal? Or are you signing and trading him?' Warriors sharpshooter Buddy Hield revealed his stance on the Kuminga situation during Golden State's Summer League game Sunday night. 3 Warriors head coach Steve Kerr has led the franchise to four championships. Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images 'He's a worker. We all know JK can play. We would love to have him back,' Hield told ESPN. 'He's a special talent … I hope that he stays [with the Warriors]. And I hope that we can go on this run together.' Considering Golden State expected Horford to sign last week, perhaps the team is ready to make its first move regardless of Kuminga's status. Spears thinks there could be an unlikely hero that leads Horford to joining Stephen Curry and the Warriors — and in turn would finally end their free agency inactivity. 'You know who I think is gonna be in this decision? His 10-year-old son, Ian,' Spears said. 'He just started traveling with Al on the road like two seasons ago. The kid loves basketball, I know he's like, 'Dad, Steph Curry.' I can see Ian convincing his dad to keep playing.'
