Warriors Must Still Sign Low-Cost Free Agent Star to Go All-In This Season

Jun 16, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
Jun 16, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) drives to the basket against Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) during the fourth quarter in game six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-Imagn Images | Kyle Terada-Imagn Images

While the Golden State Warriors are the last true dynasty the league has seen, the after-effects of that run are still leaving the franchise in an incredibly tough position. Letting Steph Curry don another uniform simply cannot happen, and as long as Curry continues to play at this level, it is impossible to punt and rebuild. That is, of course, reinforced by the addition of Jimmy Butler, and it is impossible to give up on this team completely. Just remember what happened when everyone wanted to proclaim the Warriors' downfall ahead of the 2021-22 season?

With this in mind, the franchise needs to continue to find every possible upgrade and depth option in a brutal Western Conference. And that continues to make Al Horford the ideal target while he, too, looks to defy father time. While the veteran isn't able to play for long stretches, his defense and rebounding are still incredibly valuable. Adding Horford's size to the Golden State roster would be an ideal development to cap the offseason.

The Warriors Are the Perfect Landing Spot for Al Horford

We are yet to see what a fully healthy trio of Curry, Butler, and Draymond Green can accomplish. If Butler can stay engaged for a full season, there is a reason to believe the Warriors are capable of making another surprise run. For that to happen, the offseason and trade deadline are going to need to continue to fall the team's way. Landing Horford would be a big piece of this, giving needed size and another veteran with championship experience.

Horford is considering retirement, and even if he doesn't walk away has no shortage of potential suitors. This speaks to the level of play the center provides even at this late stage of his career. Watching Horford continue to defy his age and play a key role for a contending team is one of the more enjoyable stories to come out of Boston's title run.

While the Celtics might not be a popular team there isn't a person in the league who has a bad thing to say about the veteran center. What he brings both on and off the court is the exact type of presence a roster with Green and Butler needs.