The Golden State Warriors were expected to undergo changes in the offseason as the team tries to maximize the final seasons of Steph Curry and Draymond Green. 

Over the past year and a half, the Warriors have tried to put the right pieces around those two, but things haven't worked out, thanks in part to health. 

They traded for Jimmy Butler at the 2025 trade deadline, but an injury to Curry shortened their playoff hopes as they lost in the second round to the Minnesota Timberwolves. They signed Al Horford in the offseason and then traded for Kristaps Porzingis at the 2026 trade deadline, but injuries to Butler and Curry caused them to nosedive in the standings during the regular season, and they were unable to get out of the Play-In tournament. 

According to ESPN's Sham Charania, Al Horford is going to decline his player option with the intention of signing a two-year deal worth $14 million. 

His player option would have paid him $6 million this upcoming season. Instead, Horford gets an extra year of security and an extra million in money. 

In 45 games in his first season with the Warriors, Horford averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 asissts. He missed time throughout the season with various injuries. He managed to return for the final games of the season, including the Play-In games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Phoenix Suns. 

He was huge for the Warriors in the Play-In game against the Clippers, hitting four threes in the fourth quarter to help spark a comeback victory. 

It doesn't help the Warriors get younger or more athletic, which they desperately need, but Horford is a steady presence who can still contribute. 

With the addition of Yaxel Lendeborg, the 11th overall pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, Horford can serve as a mentor for the Michigan product. Lendeborg is an all-around offensive player who possesses similarities to prime Horford with his outside shooting and playmaking. 

Horford is also a valuable voice in the locker room that isn't Curry or Green. While the Warriors aren't a young team overall, they do have younger players like Brandin Podziemski and Gui Santos, who are still learning the ways of being a professional in the league. 

The Warriors still need to address other needs, and there are real injury concerns for Horford, but as a low cost veteran, this is a solid use of money.