The Golden State Warriors stand alone in the NBA this summer, becoming the only franchise that hasn’t made a single move during free agency.
The inactivity stems from both Jonathan Kuminga’s uncertain future and the team’s failure to close on available targets.
Reports have linked the Warriors to former Boston Celtics big man Al Horford, but negotiations haven’t reached a final agreement.
The delay has prompted NBA insiders to suggest drastic measures to land the championship-tested veteran.
Kevin O’Connor urges Warriors to deploy Stephen Curry in recruitment pitch
NBA reporter Kevin O’Connor believes the Warriors should pull out all stops to secure Horford’s services. On his podcast, O’Connor suggested using the franchise’s biggest weapon in the recruitment process.
“He’s still a great defender. If I’m Golden State I’m going all in. Sending Steph to his door, we need you. Let’s win another one,” O’Connor explained during his show.
O’Connor continued his praise for the 39-year-old veteran: “Horford might be old, he might be soon to be a father of six, that dude can still ball, he’s still a great defensive player, and he can score threes, still can pass the ball… perfect.”
The strategy isn’t unprecedented in the NBA. LeBron James famously recruited Anthony Davis to join the Los Angeles Lakers, a move that ultimately resulted in a championship.
Stephen Curry possesses similar star power to convince veterans to join Golden State’s championship pursuit.
Horford’s skill set addresses Warriors’ biggest roster weakness
Al Horford brings exactly what the Warriors need: a big man who can stretch the floor and knock down three-pointers.
Despite his age, the veteran averaged nine points while shooting 36% from beyond the arc last season, proving he still has gas in the tank.
Tom Haberstroh, O’Connor’s co-host, believes Horford represents the missing piece for Golden State’s championship puzzle.
“He already feels like a Warriors player, has done for a long time, and they’ve got such a need as a stretch five playmaker, guy who can move the ball, and they’ve never had that guy, and Al Horford is that guy,” Haberstroh noted.
The Hall of Fame case that makes Horford worth the chase
Haberstroh emphasized the timeline alignment between Horford and the Warriors’ core: “The same timeline as Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green, it’s a perfect lock and key fit.”
O’Connor added another compelling argument for pursuing Horford aggressively: “Horford, he’s got a Hall of Fame case… I think he is already, if he wins another one too, he’s cemented.”
The Warriors’ continued inactivity becomes more puzzling when considering Horford’s availability and perfect fit. Time is running out for Golden State to address their roster needs before training camp begins.
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