Veteran center Al Horford has officially closed a significant chapter of his NBA career, signing a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors in free agency, as first reported by ESPN’s Shams Charania on Sunday. The 39-year-old, who celebrated his birthday on June 3, leaves the Boston Celtics after a storied tenure that included two NBA Finals appearances and a championship in 2024.
Horford’s departure comes at a challenging time for the Celtics, with star Jayson Tatum sidelined for an extended period following surgery for a ruptured Achilles and Jaylen Brown recovering from an offseason knee procedure. These uncertainties likely influenced Horford’s decision to join the Warriors, a team looking to bolster its roster with his veteran presence and versatility.
A Storied Career
Drafted third overall by the Atlanta Hawks in 2007, Horford spent nine seasons with the Hawks, establishing himself as a reliable two-way big man. Over his 18-year career, he has averaged 12.9 points and 7.9 rebounds per game, showcasing durability and adaptability. In 2016, Horford signed a four-year, $113 million contract with the Celtics, marking the start of his first stint in Boston. However, in 2019, he opted out of the final year of that deal to join the Philadelphia 76ers.
His time in Philadelphia was brief, and after a trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2020, Horford returned to Boston in 2021. During his second stint, he became a cornerstone of the Celtics’ success, playing a key role in their 2022 and 2024 NBA Finals runs. In the 2023-24 postseason, Horford averaged 9.2 points per game, contributing to Boston’s championship triumph and earning his first NBA title.
Last season, Horford appeared in 60 games for the Celtics, starting 42, and averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, and provide leadership made him a valuable asset.
A Heartfelt Farewell
Following the announcement of his move to Golden State, Horford took to social media to share an emotional goodbye to Boston and its fans. “From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote. “Raising Banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston.”
Embed X: https://twitter.com/Al_Horford/status/1972345590035230988
Horford’s move to the Warriors sets the stage for intriguing matchups in the upcoming season. He will face his former team twice: first on February 19, when the Celtics visit Oakland, and then on March 18, when Horford returns to TD Garden as a Warrior. Fans in Boston will undoubtedly give him a warm reception, honoring his contributions to their championship success.
As Horford embarks on this new chapter, his experience and versatility will be critical for a Golden State team aiming to reclaim its spot among the NBA’s elite. For Celtics fans, though, his departure marks the end of an era, leaving behind memories of a player who helped bring Banner 18 to Boston.