After seven combined seasons and a championship in Boston, Al Horford’s departure from the Celtics came as a surprise to many fans. The 39-year-old veteran had long considered Boston his basketball home, but as he explained this week, the combination of financial realities and Jayson Tatum’s injury changed everything.
Speaking to The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, Horford was candid about the circumstances that pushed him to sign with the Golden State Warriors, where he hopes to finish his career. He broke down his decision into two major reasons: money and the team’s diminishing title hopes.
“I think that where Boston was as a team, even though I called them my home and everything was there for me, they just weren’t in a position to offer me the opportunity that I wanted.”
“There was two things there. I think the financial part was a component, but more than that, it was the winning part of it, trying to contend for a championship.”
“And I think there was a lot of things up in the air and it just felt like they weren’t in the same, that same vision, obviously, because JT getting hurt, that takes a big toll. So I think at that point I really had to, up until then I was staying in Boston the whole time.
Tatum’s Achilles injury was devastating for Boston. Not only did it remove their best player from contention for most of the season, but it also changed the organization’s approach heading into the offseason. The Celtics began reshaping their roster to adapt to a transitional phase — moves that made Horford realize the franchise was pivoting away from immediate title contention.
Once Boston traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, the writing was on the wall.
Horford, who played a major role in Boston’s 2024 championship run, said he initially intended to retire a Celtic. But with the roster shifting and the team’s future uncertain, he began exploring his options, and that’s when the Warriors reached out.
The Warriors, looking to fortify their frontcourt after a disappointing 2025 playoff exit, saw Horford as the perfect veteran presence to balance their mix of experience and youth. For Horford, it was the ideal landing spot, a franchise still chasing championships with a stable leadership core and championship pedigree.
The move also reunites him with a familiar system. Having spent years facing Golden State’s motion-heavy offense, Horford believes his basketball IQ and versatility fit naturally with Steve Kerr’s style. He’s already earning praise in San Francisco. Coaches and teammates alike have lauded his leadership, work ethic, and selfless approach. Young players have reportedly gravitated toward him, eager to absorb his experience from nearly two decades in the league.
From Boston’s heartbreak to Golden State’s opportunity, Horford’s move is both pragmatic and personal. It’s about chasing one last ring, but also about finding peace in the twilight of a storied career.
For a player who’s built his legacy on professionalism and poise, Al Horford’s decision wasn’t about loyalty: it was about timing, clarity, and the enduring pull of championship basketball.
