It's settled! Horford and Melton officially sign with the Warriors, with the 39-year-old veteran set to start at center.

On September 29 Beijing time, sources Shams and Siegel reported that free agents Horford and Melton have confirmed their signings with the Warriors. The official announcement will come after the team settles Kuminga's restricted free agency status.

The 39-year-old Horford will take on the role of starting center for the Warriors.

The Warriors are set to finalize a multi-year contract with Horford. League insiders reveal that this 39-year-old big man will start at center for the Warriors throughout the upcoming regular season. Horford spent the past four seasons with the Celtics and was part of their 2024 championship-winning squad.

Although both Horford and the Celtics initially expressed interest in renewing their partnership during the offseason, parting ways ultimately made more sense for both sides. The Celtics have recently focused on reducing their total payroll and luxury tax burden, achieving this by trading Porzingis and Jrue Holiday.

Horford has formally bid farewell and expressed gratitude to the Celtics, writing on social media: "From the moment my family and I arrived here, you welcomed us with open arms and warmth. This chapter of my career holds a special place in my heart. I will forever cherish the moment we raised the 18th championship banner with this city. I am eternally grateful to the fans and the entire organization. Thank you, Boston."

By choosing not to return to the Celtics, Horford has earned an opportunity to make more money late in his career while competing for another championship with the Warriors.

Sources say Horford and the Warriors reached a verbal agreement during the first week of free agency. However, due to salary cap restrictions and Kuminga's restricted free agent status, the formal signing of Horford and other players was delayed and could not be finalized immediately.

The Warriors previously stated they needed to add an experienced frontcourt player with outside shooting ability—this need became even more urgent after Looney joined the Pelicans.

In fact, the Warriors sought to strengthen their frontcourt roster at the trade deadline this season, even showing interest in three-point shooting big man Vucevic. Signing Horford now fits perfectly with the team's current rebuilding timeline.

This signing places Horford in the same championship window as Curry, Green, and Butler—all of whom have contracts through the 2026-27 season—ensuring the Warriors remain title contenders over the next two years.

Last season, Horford appeared in 60 regular season games for the Celtics, averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, with a three-point shooting percentage of 36.3%. According to StatMuse, over the past two seasons, Horford ranks sixth among all centers in three-pointers made league-wide.

After joining the Warriors, Horford is expected to contribute on both ends of the floor. Despite his age and nearing the end of his career, he is known for his strong defensive skills and can guard opponents on the perimeter. While not a prolific shot-blocker, pairing with Green in the frontcourt will provide the team with immediate and crucial lineup depth.

Melton will return to play for the Warriors.

Shortly after Horford's commitment to the Warriors became public, league sources revealed that free agent Melton has also confirmed his return to the team.

Although Melton's contract details are still being finalized due to Kuminga's restricted free agent status, he is set to rejoin the Warriors for the 2025-26 season and will play a key role in the backcourt. Kuminga must decide whether to accept a qualifying offer by October 1 local time, which also affects the finalization of Melton's contract.

For months, there has been speculation that the Warriors would sign Melton in free agency. Now, the 7-year NBA veteran has officially confirmed his return to Golden State. Both Horford and Melton's contracts will only be officially signed and completed after Kuminga finalizes his own deal.

The 27-year-old Melton signed a one-year, $12.8 million contract with the Warriors using the mid-level exception before the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, he played just six games before suffering a severe left ACL tear.

Due to injury, the Warriors traded Melton along with three second-round draft picks in December last year to acquire veteran guard Dennis Schröder. Schröder was later part of a multi-team trade that helped the Warriors secure six-time All-Star Butler midseason.

Despite limited playing time last season, Melton averaged 10.3 points and 3.3 rebounds per game, shooting 37.1% from three-point range. He fits perfectly the Warriors' long-standing need for a "3-and-D" player on the perimeter and quickly gelled with the team’s roster. Even after being traded to the Nets, both Melton and the Warriors maintained strong mutual interest in resuming their partnership in the 2025 free agency market.

Since the opening of this year's free agency, Melton has attracted interest from multiple teams. Sources say both the Clippers and Lakers have contacted him.

Although many expected the Lakers to sign Melton, they ultimately went in a different direction—using the mid-level exception to sign Ayton and LaRavia, then employing the bi-annual exception to acquire Smart.

Sources reveal that after suffering the ACL injury, Melton has worked diligently to return to the court. He is "very excited" about the chance to play for the Warriors again. In the new season, this veteran guard will once again be a key rotation player in Coach Kerr's system.

The Warriors will officially announce the signings of Horford, Melton, and other new additions (expected to include Payton Jr. and Seth Curry) once Kuminga's restricted free agent situation is resolved.

Last season, the Warriors finished with a 48-34 regular season record, reaching the Western Conference semifinals for the third time in four years. With Horford and Melton joining, the Warriors will once again carry high expectations to compete for the championship in the upcoming season.