At 39, Al Horford is far from ready to hang up his sneakers. The five-time All-Star emphatically dismissed any whispers of retirement, declaring his unwavering passion for the game as he embarks on a thrilling new chapter with the Golden State Warriors. “Not at all,” Horford told reporters with a smile after being introduced as the team’s new starting center. “I knew I wanted to keep playing. This is a great opportunity to compete and win at a high level.”
Horford’s arrival in San Francisco comes on the heels of a triumphant 2024 NBA championship with the Boston Celtics, where he played a pivotal role. Now, he joins the Warriors on a two-year, $12 million contract, featuring a player option for the second season. The move, made possible by the Warriors’ use of the $5.2 million taxpayer mid-level exception, marks a significant shift for Horford, who leaves behind a beloved chapter in Boston for a chance to chase another title alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, Jimmy Butler, and coach Steve Kerr.
Ironically, Horford’s last NBA Finals appearance in 2022 saw his Celtics fall to these same Warriors. Yet, the allure of Golden State’s championship pedigree and dynamic style of play proved irresistible. “When I think about the Warriors, I think about Steph, Draymond, Steve Kerr, and then seeing Jimmy Butler’s impact after his trade last season,” Horford said. “If there was one place I was going to leave Boston for, it was this. It wasn’t easy, but when this opportunity came, I jumped at it.”
Leaving Boston, where Horford spent years building deep ties, was no simple decision. “Boston became a second home for me,” he admitted. “Being part of that community and city was something very special for me and my family.” The Celtics’ financial constraints, exacerbated by their second-apron status, forced tough roster decisions, including trades of Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday, and limited their ability to retain Horford. With Boston also grappling with the loss of All-NBA forward Jayson Tatum to an Achilles injury for the 2025-26 season, Horford’s departure marks a bittersweet end to an era.
“There were a lot of emotions, a lot of questions,” Horford said of the decision-making process. “More than anything, I wanted to make sure my family was stable. That was the biggest thing. Once I knew they were good, everything else fell into place.”
Horford’s family played a central role in his decision to join the Warriors. Long conversations with his wife and thoughtful walks helped him weigh the move. When he shared the news with his children, their excitement sealed the deal—especially for his son, a basketball history buff thrilled at the prospect of his dad sharing the court with Curry. “My son was very excited,” Horford said with a laugh. “He’s really into basketball history and now understands more. My girls are excited too, but he really gets it. They’re all pretty thrilled.”
The Warriors’ offseason wasn’t without its challenges, as a contract standoff with Jonathan Kuminga delayed Horford’s signing. “It was a very odd offseason, just waiting to see what would happen,” he said. “My focus was on training, preparing myself, and being in the best place possible when the season started.” Now, as he settles into his role with a Warriors team hungry for another championship, Horford’s optimism is palpable. His experience, versatility, and leadership make him a perfect fit for a squad aiming to add to its storied legacy.
As Horford steps onto the court in the Bay Area, he brings not only his championship pedigree but also a relentless drive to prove he’s still got plenty left in the tank. With the Warriors’ fast-paced, star-studded lineup, Horford’s savvy and skill could be the key to another deep playoff run. “This is about competing and winning,” he said, his eyes set on the future. For Al Horford, retirement isn’t on the horizon—it’s all about the next ring.