An era slipped away in Golden State as Kevon Looney, the heartbeat of their dynasty, inked a two-year, $16 million deal with the New Orleans Pelicans. The three-time NBA champion, whose relentless hustle, tenacious rebounding, and paint-anchoring grit fueled the Warriors’ title runs, departs after a decade of selfless play. While Looney’s exit stings, it’s the Warriors’ next move that has the NBA buzzing with intrigue.
The Warriors’ decision to let Looney walk isn’t just a roster tweak—it’s a calculated pivot, signaling a bold new chapter for the franchise. Whispers around the league suggest Golden State is zeroing in on a blockbuster addition: Al Horford, the five-time All-Star and 2024 NBA champion with the Boston Celtics. This potential coup could reshape the Warriors’ future and solidify their status as title contenders.
A Dynasty’s Quiet Shift
Looney’s departure marks the end of an era for Golden State. The 30-year-old center was a cornerstone of their championship core, a player who embodied the Warriors’ selfless, gritty ethos. His ability to battle bigger opponents, secure crucial rebounds, and set bone-rattling screens made him indispensable during their title runs. But with the Pelicans swooping in, the Warriors are now looking to fill the void with a veteran who brings a different, yet equally potent, skill set.
NBA insider Ohm Youngmisuk dropped a bombshell, reporting:
“With Kevon Looney gone now, all signs point to Al Horford joining the Warriors. League sources have been buzzing about this fit—it’s like Horford was tailor-made for Golden State’s system.”
Al Horford: The Perfect Fit?
At 39, Al Horford remains a force. Fresh off a championship with the Celtics in 2024, the unrestricted free agent brings a rare blend of floor-spacing, defensive prowess, and veteran savvy. His high basketball IQ and two-way versatility align seamlessly with Steve Kerr’s motion-heavy system, which thrives on smart, adaptable bigs.
Golden State has long craved a stretch center to complement Stephen Curry’s sharpshooting, Draymond Green’s playmaking, and the newly acquired Jimmy Butler’s tenacity. Horford checks every box. His ability to knock down threes (41% from deep in the 2024-25 season) and anchor a defense makes him a dream fit alongside the Warriors’ star-studded core. In the 2024 NBA Finals, Horford averaged 7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.6 assists across five games, proving he can still deliver on the biggest stage.
A Veteran-Laden Superteam
The Warriors’ pursuit of Horford signals an all-in mentality. Their mid-season acquisition of Butler already injected new life into the roster, fueling a late-season surge in 2024-25. Adding Horford could cement a starting five dripping with championship pedigree and experience—a unit built to dominate the loaded Western Conference.
Horford’s durability is another feather in his cap. Logging 27.6 minutes per game last season, he proved he can still handle significant workloads. His presence would address Golden State’s longstanding frontcourt depth issues, providing a reliable rim protector and floor-spacer who can toggle between the four and five spots.
The Warriors’ Title Gambit
If Golden State lands Horford, the message will be unmistakable: the Warriors are loading up for one final championship push. With Curry still defying gravity, Green anchoring the defense, and Butler bringing his playoff-tested grit, Horford could be the missing piece to propel Golden State past juggernauts like the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks.
Looney’s departure may have closed one chapter, but the Warriors are already writing the next. If Horford joins the fold, the NBA will be on notice: Golden State’s dynasty isn’t done yet—it’s just evolving.