By Ricardo Klein
Copyright newsweek
The 2025-26 NBA season is slowly approaching. We are a little over a month away from the start of the regular season, and the excitement is palpable.More news: Multiple Warriors Staffers Didn’t Want to Draft Jonathan Kuminga: ReportBy this time during the offseason, teams’ rosters are usually set. Everyone is sitting around and preparing for the season to commence; however, the same cannot be said for the Golden State Warriors at this point.The Warriors currently only have nine players under contract. The only reason is the ongoing Jonathan Kuminga contract saga. That should be resolved prior to October 1, and once that is, expect the Warriors to make a flurry of moves, including signing veteran big man free agent Al Horford.Horford is among the best free agents still available, and the expectation is that he will sign with the Warriors.Evan Sidey of Forbes noted that Horford is expected to become Golden State’s starting center once he signs on the dotted line.Horford emerged as a top free agency target for the Warriors prior to the start of free agency. All signs point to the two agreeing to a deal once the Kuminga issue is resolved.The 39-year-old has been steady and dependable for the Boston Celtics and throughout his entire career.More news: Lakers Urged to Go All-In, Land $196 Million All-Star in Blockbuster TradeLast season, Horford started in 42 of the 60 games he participated in. His defense and outside shooting were key for Boston, and he has shown that he still has plenty in the tank.Even with careful load management last season, he made the most of his opportunities –– posting 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks per game while shooting 42.3 percent from the field and 36.3 percent from three in 60 games, averaging 27.7 minutes.The Warriors are badly in need of a dependable center, something they’ve struggled to secure for over a decade. While Horford is clearly in the later stages of his career, he remains as steady as they come when he’s on the court, especially given his age.That consistency is why Horford is a valuable target, and why he could still make a real difference for the Warriors, who are looking to shore up their frontcourt.The Warriors are looking to start the season on a high note, led by their future Hall of Fame superstars: Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.If Horford can do his part, the Warriors could emerge as one of the best teams in the loaded Western Conference.More news: Knicks Sign 2 Former Lakers in Free AgencyFor all the latest NBA news and rumors, head over to Newsweek Sports.
