According to NBA reporter Rob Merros on Friday, the Golden State Warriors are close to signing free agent Al Horford. The two sides are finalizing a two-year, $11.7 million contract with a player option for the second year.

Al Horford, 39, primarily plays center and was drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2007. During his 18-year NBA career, he played 1,138 regular-season games for the Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Boston Celtics, averaging 12.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game. He was selected to the All-Star team five times (2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, and 2018).

Horford also played in 197 playoff games, averaging 11.9 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game, and won the NBA championship with the Celtics in 2024.

After the 2024-25 season, Horford will officially become a free agent. According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, Horford and the Warriors had reached a verbal agreement as early as two months ago, but the renewal issue of Jonathan Kuminga caused the matter to reach a deadlock.

ESPN reporter Anthony Slater noted that Horford is considered the "presumed starting center" within the Warriors. His addition is expected to reduce the pressure on Draymond Green in the regular season, and his long-range shooting and defensive abilities are highly compatible with the Warriors' tactical system.