The NBA world woke up today to a flurry of activity surrounding veteran big man Al Horford, who has emerged as one of the most intriguing free agent targets of the summer. Multiple contending teams—including the Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and New York Knicks—are reportedly trying to sign Horford away from the Boston Celtics.
According to league insider Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Horford “has received interest from several contending teams since the start of free agency, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.”
Al Horford has received interest from several contending teams since the start of free agency, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopsHype.
Why Horford Is in Demand
At 39 years old, Horford is no longer the offensive force he once was, but his value lies in his versatility, basketball IQ, and leadership. Last season with Boston, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in roughly 28 minutes per game, while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. He remains one of the few veteran big men who can switch defensively, space the floor, and make plays at a high level.
1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets lost Michael Porter Jr. in a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, acquiring Cam Johnson in return, and are looking to bolster their frontcourt depth behind Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. In that context, Horford represents an experienced, reliable backup—or occasional starter—that could anchor their second unit through the playoffs.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers are in dire need of rotation big men. With Clint Capela and Brook Lopez off the board, Horford is one of the few quality veterans left on the market. He’s viewed by some as the most realistic short-term mentor to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, offering wisdom at the five for a franchise fumbling through its cap limitations. The Lakers would likely pursue Horford on a one?year veteran minimum deal, which aligns with their broader financial strategy.
3. New York Knicks
New York may not have the cap flexibility to chase big names, but the organization has reportedly earmarked Horford as a potential frontcourt upgrade on a low-cost contract. After clearing waivers, guard Jordan Clarkson is expected to join via a veteran minimum contract—which would preserve the Knicks’ mid-level exception for another frontcourt move, possibly Horford.
Other Interested Teams
The Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers are also firmly in the mix. The Warriors, eyeing a veteran stretch center, view Horford as their preferred target if financial maneuvering—such as offloading Jonathan Kuminga—can clear cap space. Meanwhile, Cleveland, already operating under the second apron, can only offer a veteran minimum deal—but sees Horford as a quality rotational piece next to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Celtics’ Perspective and Internal Questions
The Celtics have shed key salary this offseason—trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and signing Luka Garza—dropping under the second salary cap apron. They have limited financial flexibility to retain both Horford and Luke Kornet. Boston reportedly wants to re?sign Horford, but his decision may not come until after free agency gets fully underway.
The Celtics have said internally: “There’s no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back … but it’s their call, ultimately.” Their frontcourt depth could become stretched to near breaking point if both depart.
What’s Next
- Horford’s decision timeline: He’s expected to take his time weighing options, and likely won’t choose on the opening evening of free agency.
- Contract expectations: Most interested teams are likely eyeing a veteran minimum deal for Horford; few can offer more without exceeding luxury tax thresholds.
- Team fit: Each contender brings a different profile—Denver wants depth, L.A. needs size, New York craves veteran finishing, Golden State needs a floor spacing center, and Cleveland seeks bench rotation stability.
- Salary cap restrictions: Boston may have to let him go due to financial necessity, while the Lakers and Knicks must juggle space carefully if they want to add him.
Conclusion
The pursuit of Al Horford by the Nuggets, Lakers, and Knicks—including a host of others—underscores how highly respected his adaptability, championship experience, and stabilizing presence remain across the league. His departure from Boston seems likely unless the Celtics can reconfigure their cap sheet, and whichever team signs him could gain a reliable veteran who can still contribute both on and off the court.
Keep an eye on this saga in the days ahead—it’s shaping up to be one of the most closely watched free agency storylines of the summer.
