The Golden State Warriors aren’t waiting around forever. As Al Horford mulls retirement and Jonathan Kuminga remains in restricted free agency limbo, the front office is quietly preparing contingency plans.
According to Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints, the Warriors have identified veteran forwards Trey Lyles and Chris Boucher as fallback options if Horford ultimately retires or signs elsewhere.
“If, by some chance, Horford decides he no longer wants to wait on the Warriors and he ultimately retires or joins another team, Trey Lyles and Chris Boucher would become backup plans for this team,” Siegel reported. “Until Horford signs, these two are forced to wait in free agency.”
Golden State Weighs Frontcourt Alternatives
GettyTrey Lyles #41 of the Sacramento Kings drives between Doug McDermott #17 of the San Antonio Spurs and Jakob Poeltl #25
Horford, 39, is the Warriors’ top target to replace Kevon Looney, who signed with the New Orleans Pelicans earlier this offseason. But with no deal in place and Kuminga’s unresolved situation tying up roster flexibility, Golden State has yet to make any new additions to its frontcourt.
Lyles offers a clean fit as a stretch big. The 6-foot-9 forward has shot 36.2% from three across three seasons with the Sacramento Kings, and averaged 7.5 points per game while serving as a steady rotational piece.
But Boucher might be the more intriguing target. The 6-foot-9 forward spent the last six seasons with the Toronto Raptors, evolving into a versatile scorer and transition threat. He posted 10.0 points and 4.5 rebounds in 50 appearances last season, while shooting a career-high 36.3% from deep on nearly four attempts per game.
Warriors Familiar With Boucher’s Roots
GettyChris Boucher
This wouldn’t be Boucher’s first stint with Golden State—technically. He signed a two-way deal with the Warriors in 2017 and appeared in one game during their 2018 title run, earning a ring despite limited minutes. A year later, he’d win his second title as part of Toronto’s 2019 championship team.
While Boucher doesn’t offer Horford’s defensive IQ or floor leadership, his offensive skillset might align well with Stephen Curry and the Warriors’ system. He’s mobile, active, and capable of spacing the floor—a valuable trait next to Curry’s gravitational pull.
At this point in free agency, the Warriors may not have the luxury of waiting much longer. If Horford joins another team or retires, Boucher’s mix of size, scoring, and familiarity could offer a sensible Plan B.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Warriors Target 2-Time Champion as Horford Backup Plan appeared first on Heavy Sports.