Before the NBA trade deadline, the Golden State Warriors acquired Kristaps Porzingis from the Atlanta Hawks, aiming to strengthen their roster. While Porzingis is currently sidelined with an injury, the Warriors are optimistic about his return to the court in the near future. This addition has sparked excitement among teammates, especially Al Horford, who expressed enthusiasm about reuniting with his former Boston Celtics colleague.
Horford Expresses Excitement Over Reuniting With Porzingis
Al Horford, who joined the Warriors in the offseason after a successful stint with the Celtics, looks forward to playing alongside Porzingis once again. Speaking to reporters after Golden State’s narrow 101-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns, Horford shared his positive outlook on the partnership.
It was special, it was just really fun,
Horford said.
We all know everything he can do. He can shoot the three, can post up, draw fouls, kind of play the midrange offensively. He’s just very potent. Defensively, protects the rim. I’m just looking forward for him to be here and help us, because I feel like he’ll be a big help for us.
– Al Horford, Golden State Warriors forward
Horford and Porzingis played together for two seasons in Boston, from 2023 to 2025, where they contributed to the Celtics’ 2024 NBA championship. Although both players moved on after the championship—with Horford signing for the Warriors and Porzingis being traded to the Hawks—their reunion offers the Warriors a familiar core to build upon.
Porzingis’ Status and Expected Debut With Warriors
Kristaps Porzingis has been out of action since January 7, when he last played against the New Orleans Pelicans due to left Achilles tendinitis. In addition to his injury, Porzingis has been managing postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome, limiting him to just 17 games this season. Despite these setbacks, he has maintained solid statistics, averaging 17.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game.
NBC Sports Bay Area reporter Dalton Johnson revealed that Porzingis had yet to meet his new Warriors teammates at the time of the trade. He is expected to join the team in Los Angeles ahead of their upcoming game against the Lakers. While there is a small possibility Porzingis could make his Warriors debut in that matchup, the likelihood remains low for now.
Rationale Behind Warriors Pursuing Porzingis
Earlier trade rumors linked the Warriors to star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the team ultimately shifted focus to Porzingis. This decision involved trading promising players Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield to Atlanta. ESPN analyst Anthony Slater explained the Warriors’ longstanding interest in Porzingis, emphasizing their desire to add a “stretch center” who can provide rim protection alongside Draymond Green.
They didn’t get Giannis, but Porzingis is a guy they’ve targeted since the Boston days as a stretch center that can rim protect next to Draymond Green that they think can help,
Slater said.
They think he might be as healthy as early as Saturday.
– Anthony Slater, ESPN analyst
Slater also updated fans on Porzingis’ health and availability:
They heard he’s basically cleared to play, so they’re gonna try to kind of go for it to a small degree this year, and then they held their draft ammo for this summer.
– Anthony Slater, ESPN analyst
Looking ahead, the Warriors appear committed to pursuing Antetokounmpo once again during the offseason, as Porzingis’ expiring contract could free up salary cap space to facilitate that potential acquisition without strict salary matching.
Warriors need to get Kristaps Porzingis in the building — and through the Rick Celebrini clearance protocol — but internal expectation is he should be ready to make his GSW debut in the near future, maybe as early as Saturday night at the Lakers. pic.twitter.com/fNGX33T1q4
— Anthony Slater (@anthonyVslater) February 5, 2026
