Al Horford Reportedly 'Destined' for Warriors Contract amid Lakers, Free Agency Rumors

The Golden State Warriors are a veteran-laden team in win-now mode, and they reportedly have the inside track toward adding another notable older player to their roster this offseason.

NBA insider Marc Stein reported Sunday that Al Horford "is destined" to join the Warriors this offseason even though they "currently have only the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel to offer him."

Stein noted the Denver Nuggets could be a darkhorse candidate to add Horford if Jonas Valančiūnas ends up pursuing his interest in playing overseas. What's more, the Los Angeles Lakers have been linked as a possible Horford destination at times this offseason.

Still, Golden State seems to be the eventual destination.

Stein and Jake Fischer previously called him the Warriors' "top target" in free agency as a big man who can stretch the floor and play in their system. As a career 37.7 percent three-point shooter, the University of Florida product could take full advantage of the spacing that comes with playing alongside Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

He could work in pick-and-pops with Curry in particular, and his shooting might make him an even bigger threat in such plays than Green is at this stage of his career.

Horford is also playoff tested with 197 career postseason games on his resume. He helped lead the Boston Celtics to the 2024 championship and was an integral part of the 2022 team that lost to the Warriors in the NBA Finals.

With 37-year-old Curry, 35-year-old Green and 35-year-old Butler as the key pieces, the Warriors are clearly focused on the immediate future and championship pursuit in a daunting Western Conference.

The 39-year-old Horford would fit that timeline for a team that will be all-in for at least the next season or two.

It is a clear and obvious fit, and it seems like the two sides are going to make it happen.