Al Horford courted by Lakers, Bucks and Hawks after Warriors deal falls through

The Al Horford situation continues to make waves in the NBA. Two weeks after the opening of the transfer market, the 39-year-old veteran still hasn’t found his next destination. According to Marc J. Spears of ESPN, the Golden State Warriors thought they would finalize his signing last week, but the deal ultimately fell through.

The Golden State Warriors are expected to end up with BOTH Al Horford and De’Anthony Melton while still having interest in Bradley Beal, per @TheSteinLine

(Via @WillardAndDibs, h/t @957thegame) pic.twitter.com/dr4VvByFJq

— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) July 15, 2025

Lakers, Bucks and Hawks in pursuit

Currently, three franchises are seriously positioning themselves for Horford. « The Lakers, Milwaukee and Atlanta are also interested in a player who’s almost 40 and is also considering retirement, » Spears said during NBA Today. « He’s still thinking about ending his career, he’s not in a hurry. He’s expecting his sixth child, and he splits his time between Atlanta and Boston during the offseason. »

The family aspect could prove decisive in Horford’s final choice. « From what I’m hearing, whether it’s Golden State – and to a lesser extent the Lakers – being so far from his family could weigh heavily in his decision, » the ESPN journalist specified.

Atlanta, the most likely option

Among the contenders, the Atlanta Hawks seem to be leading the race. Horford played his first nine NBA seasons there and already owns a residence. The Georgia franchise, very active this summer with the arrivals of Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Kristaps Porzingis, hasn’t replaced Clint Capela and is looking for an interior solution.

The Los Angeles Lakers also lack solutions in the paint and could offer Horford the opportunity to play alongside LeBron James. In Milwaukee, the Bucks already have Myles Turner, Jericho Sims and Bobby Portis, but Horford’s experience could prove valuable.

A return to Boston now seems « unlikely » according to Brad Stevens, president of basketball operations for the Celtics. The 2024 NBA champion organization has begun a process of cost reduction and rebuilding around its young talent. Horford, who won his first NBA title last year, is taking his time to weigh the pros and cons of each option, without ruling out a well-deserved retirement after an exceptional career.