Stephen Curry might have just given Warriors fans the confirmation they’ve been waiting for. Ten days into free agency, with Al Horford still on the market and Golden State reportedly leading the chase, the superstar point guard may have accidentally revealed more than he intended during a press conference at the American Century Championship.
Did Stephen Curry Accidentally Confirm Al Horford’s Warriors Signing?
Curry found himself in the spotlight at the American Century Championship in Tahoe, the celebrity golf tournament he conquered two years ago and that he’s once again competing in from July 11-13 on NBC, Peacock, and The Golf Channel. However, it wasn’t his golf game making headlines this time. When asked about Horford potentially joining Golden State, Curry’s response raised eyebrows across the basketball world.
“He’s a champion, great player. When… if, when all that stuff happens, I’ll talk about it,” Curry said to PFSN. The four-time NBA champion seemed to catch himself mid-sentence, quickly switching from “when” to “if” before doubling back to “when” again. That verbal stumble had Warriors fans convinced their franchise player just spilled the beans on what could be the team’s first major free agency move of this summer.
The slip-up feels especially significant given Golden State’s unusually quiet start to free agency. While other contenders have been making moves, the Warriors have sat on the sidelines, leaving their fan base frustrated and wondering what’s causing the delay.
According to Marc Grandi, host of 95.7 The Game in the Bay Area, the holdup isn’t about Horford’s decision-making process. Instead, Golden State appears to have a handshake agreement with the veteran center, but they’re waiting to resolve Jonathan Kuminga’s restricted free agency situation first.
“I don’t think the hold up on Al Horford is him deciding whether he wants to retire or not. My read is that GSW has a handshake agreement with him in place, but it could be slightly edited depending on how much extra money they have to play with based on the Kuminga outcome,” Grandi explained.
I don’t think the hold up on Al Horford is him deciding whether he wants to retire or not. My read is that GSW has a handshake agreement with him in place, but it could be slightly edited depending on how much extra money they have to play with based on the Kuminga outcome. https://t.co/apcYiqwlbX
— Marc Grandi (@MarcGrandi) July 9, 2025
This waiting game makes sense from a salary cap perspective. Kuminga’s decision directly impacts how much money Golden State can offer Horford, potentially affecting the final terms of their reported agreement.
How Would Al Horford Transform the Warriors’ Championship Hopes?
Horford represents exactly what Golden State needs at this stage of their championship window. At 39, he aligns perfectly with the Warriors’ veteran-heavy roster and their urgent timeline to maximize Curry’s remaining prime years.
The numbers from Horford’s 2024-25 campaign tell the story of a player who can still contribute at the highest level. He averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from three-point range. Those percentages showcase the versatility that made him such a crucial piece of Boston’s 2024 championship run.
What makes Horford particularly appealing to Golden State is his ability to anchor their small-ball lineups. The Warriors built their dynasty on playing smaller, faster lineups that could switch defensively and space the floor offensively. Horford’s shooting range and defensive IQ would allow them to deploy lineups featuring Curry, Brandin Podziemski, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, and Horford as their closing five.
The timing also works in Golden State’s favor. Boston appears to be retooling following Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury, potentially making Horford more available than he might have been otherwise. Meanwhile, the Warriors desperately need frontcourt depth and a reliable center who can contribute in playoff basketball.
However, Golden State isn’t operating in a vacuum. The Los Angeles Lakers have reportedly shown interest in Horford as well. If the Warriors can’t resolve the Kuminga situation quickly, they risk losing out on the 18-year veteran to another contender.
For both Curry and Horford, this potential partnership represents a chance to add to their championship legacies. Curry, at 37, knows his window for competing at the highest level won’t stay open forever. Similarly, Horford understands that opportunities to join legitimate title contenders become rarer as careers wind down.
The 6-foot-9 Dominican native still has multiple options on the table. He could sign with the Warriors, join another team, or potentially retire after an illustrious 18-year career. But if Curry’s verbal slip at a golf tournament is any indication, Warriors fans might not have to wait much longer to find out which path Horford chooses.
