Did Al Horford leave the Golden State Warriors at the altar?
Multiple pre-free agency reports indicated the Boston Celtics center likely would join the Warriors after contracts could be made official on July 6. But Horford went unsigned last week, reportedly to the surprise of Golden State.
“Golden State obviously expected him to sign last week; he didn’t,” NBA insider Marc J. Spears said during an ESPN segment on Monday. “Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta, I believe, are also interested in on (a) nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table.
“He’s still considering retiring; he’s not in any hurry. He’s got a sixth kid coming on the way. He lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. But I’m hearing that, whether it’s Golden State or, to a lesser extent, the Lakers, being away from his family that far isn’t going to be in that decision.”
Spears suggested one of Horford’s children could influence Horford’s decision.
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“But keep in mind, you know who I think’s gonna be in this decision? His 10-year-old son, Ian,” Spears said. “He just stated traveling on the road with Al two seasons ago. Kid loves basketball. I know he’s like, ‘Dad, Steph Curry!’ … I could see Ian convincing his dad to keep playing.”
As for the Celtics, there technically still is a chance of Horford returning to Boston. But president of basketball operations Brad Stevens sounded doubtful during a recent media availability, fueling speculation that Horford’s time with the Celtics is over.