Horford stays with Warriors for 2 years, $14 million! ESPN grades it B+: low risk, great value

On June 25 Beijing time, Horford turned down his player option and stayed with the Warriors for two years and $14 million. ESPN promptly graded the signing with a B+, offering this breakdown:

Al Horford started last season with the Warriors in extremely poor form, and at one point the veteran seemed as though he had lost the capacity to remain viable in an NBA rotation. Amid frequent absences, he averaged just 5.6 points per game before Christmas, with a true shooting percentage of only 45%.

However, he quickly rediscovered his familiar game form. From Christmas through the end of the season, Horford averaged 9.3 points per game, with his true shooting percentage soaring to 59%—essentially matching his performance during his final two seasons with the Celtics (8.8 points per game, 60% true shooting). In the play-in tournament, he was one of the Warriors' best performers.

So Horford's career is far from over. Now at age 40, he requires significant regular-season rest—he has not played more than 70 games in a single season since 2017-18, and last season he appeared in only 45 regular-season games. Even so, he can still contribute effectively for 20 minutes per game, offering experienced defense, floor spacing, and versatile positional switches.

The Warriors' system relies on real-time reading and adaptability, making it difficult to find role players who fit well. Horford, however, is unselfish, has a high basketball IQ, and perfectly aligns with the team's tactics.

Horford declined to exercise his $6 million player option for the 2026-27 season and signed this new two-year contract, with an annual salary only slightly higher than before. His performance will eventually decline permanently, but for the Warriors, this contract is inexpensive and carries very low risk. Given Horford's remaining ability at present, this signing absolutely offers great value.