As expected, the monster seven-team Kevin Durant trade involving the Golden State Warriors became official on Sunday.
Alex Toohey and Jahmai Mashack, two rookies eager to prove they belong in the big leagues, were sent to the Dubs in the trade.
Following the finalized deal, Golden State received game-changing news on their pursuit of free-agent center Al Horford.
“All signs, for the record, continue to point to Al Horford landing with Golden State,” The Stein Line’s Marc Stein wrote Sunday.
With the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets reportedly being interested in Horford, Stein's report is the best-case scenario for the Dubs after discovering the 39-year-old big man wouldn't sign with a team by the end of the weekend.
Golden State is fully aware that they must refrain from making the same mistake the Lakers did during the 2024-25 season; failing to bolster their frontcourt after a losing a key contributor (Los Angeles traded Anthony Davis to the Dallas Mavericks and the Warriors lost Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans in free agency).
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The Nuggets appear to be experiencing the same adversity to begin the offseason, as their presumed backup center, Jonas Valanciunas, is interested in departing for the EuroLeague this summer.
However, if it’s true that Horford is leaning toward teaming up with Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Jimmy Butler in the Bay, Denver will have to adjust their center search swiftly.
The best-available Looney replacement could soon join a Dubs squad hoping to win a championship in 2025-26.
More NBA: Warriors get worrisome news after agreeing to historic seven-team trade involving Kevin Durant