The Golden State Warriors have been very quiet so far this offseason. Losing Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans early in NBA free agency has left a need for the team to fill.
Stephen Curry and company need a new starting center. Also, the Warriors have decisions to make about both Gary Payton II.
At the center position, Al Horford has been rumored to be their top target. He would be a perfect fit within the Golden State system and would be an upgrade over what the team had last season. However, the Warriors are not alone in pursuit of Horford.
Prior to signing both Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes, the Los Angeles Lakers were a major player in the Horford market. Now, there is another Western Conference team with major interest in signing him.
It sure sounds like the two finalists for Horford are Golden State and the Denver Nuggets. He is also considering retirement.
A new update was revealed recently that is cause for concern when it comes to the Warriors.
Evan Sidery of Forbes has reported that Horford will make a decision between Golden State and the Nuggets. He also noted that the Warriors are the current favorite for the veteran big man, but that Denver would become a more interesting option if Jonas Valanciunas works his way to Europe.
"Al Horford will be making his decision between the Nuggets and Warriors on his next team," Sidery wrote. "If Jonas Valanciunas is intent on leaving for Europe, Horford becomes an extremely enticing option for Denver. Currently, Golden State is viewed as the favorite for Horford's services."
Horford has played the last four years with the Boston Celtics. Last year, he played in 60 games and made 42 starts, averaging nine points per game to go along with 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 0.9 blocks.
Even at 39 years old, Horford is still an elite level backup center. With the Warriors, he might actually be the starter, which might be intriguing to him.
In addition to his averages last season, Horford shot 42.3 percent from the floor and 36.3 percent from the three-point line. He would get a lot of open three-point looks in Golden State.
Expect to hear more news about Horford and his decision in the near future. For now, it seems to have come down to just two potential suitors or retirement.
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