The Golden State Warriors have placed 39-year-old center Al Horford at the top of their wish list for the NBA free-agency period that begins Monday at 3 p.m. Pacific, according to The Athletic and ESPN. Team executives are prepared to offer the veteran their projected $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception, viewing his perimeter shooting and play-making as the ideal complement to Stephen Curry’s offense. Horford, who averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists for Boston last season and won a title with the Celtics in 2024, is considering three paths: signing with Golden State, joining the Los Angeles Lakers or retiring after 18 years in the league. League sources cited by ESPN’s Shams Charania say the Warriors are regarded as the frontrunner if the five-time All-Star continues his career, while the Lakers remain in the hunt. Golden State’s pursuit comes as talks with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga have shown little progress, heightening pressure on the front office to shore up the front court. Adding Horford would hard-cap the club at the league’s second luxury-tax apron but would give coach Steve Kerr a proven stretch big as the Warriors attempt to regroup from last season’s early playoff exit.