The Golden State Warriors made a calculated move this offseason when they signed veteran big man Al Horford to a two-year, $11.7 million deal. Coming off a championship run with the Boston Celtics, Horford was expected to bring a steady veteran presence, floor spacing, and rim protection to a Warriors squad looking to squeeze another title out of the Stephen Curry era. But nearly two months into the season, that vision hasn’t quite materialized - and now, with the trade deadline on the horizon, the franchise is facing tough questions about Horford’s fit and future in San Francisco.
Let’s start with the basics: Horford has suited up for just 13 of Golden State’s first 28 games. He’s been sidelined recently with sciatica, and while he's ramping up activity in practice, he’s reportedly “probably” out for another week.
At 39 years old, the Warriors knew he wouldn’t be an every-night player - especially on back-to-backs - but the hope was that he’d still be a meaningful contributor when available. So far, that hasn’t been the case.
Horford is averaging 5.6 points and 4.4 rebounds per game, and his shooting from deep - a key part of his value as a stretch five - is sitting at just 29.8%. That’s a steep drop-off from the kind of production Golden State was banking on, especially considering how much their offense relies on spacing and smart ball movement. Without Horford anchoring the second unit or helping to stabilize the frontcourt rotation, the Warriors have had to lean even harder on inconsistent lineups and patchwork solutions down low.
The team as a whole hasn’t found its rhythm either. At 13-15, Golden State is clinging to the ninth spot in the Western Conference.
Injuries have played a role - Steph Curry missed time with a quad issue - but the problems run deeper than just health. The defense hasn’t been as sharp, the bench remains a question mark, and the front office is now staring down a Feb. 5 trade deadline with a clear need to upgrade.
Here’s where things get interesting: Horford isn’t eligible to be traded until Jan. 1, due to the timing of his signing (which came on Oct. 1 following the resolution of the Jonathan Kuminga situation). That gives the Warriors roughly a four-week window to decide whether to move him - or to bring in reinforcements elsewhere while keeping him on the roster.
To be clear, Golden State didn’t sign Horford expecting him to be the player he was five years ago. They knew the limitations that come with age.
But even with realistic expectations, his performance so far has been a disappointment. The hope was that he’d be a stabilizing force - a high-IQ vet who could stretch the floor, protect the rim, and help guide younger players like Trayce Jackson-Davis.
Instead, he’s struggled to stay on the court and hasn’t found a rhythm when he’s been out there.
That’s not to say the Warriors are ready to pull the plug. There’s still time for Horford to get healthy, settle in, and carve out a role that fits within Steve Kerr’s system.
His experience and leadership still carry weight in a locker room full of championship DNA. But the clock is ticking, and the margin for error is shrinking.
Golden State didn’t enter this season looking to shuffle the deck at center. But given the way things have unfolded, the front office is now doing its due diligence.
Whether that means finding a new big to shore up the rotation or making a more significant move remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the Warriors can’t afford to stand pat - not with the West as competitive as ever and Curry still playing at an elite level.
For Horford, the next few weeks could be pivotal. If he can get healthy and contribute, he might still play a meaningful role in this team’s playoff push. If not, his time in The Bay could be shorter than anyone anticipated.