Al Horford’s Tough Decision to Leave Boston

SAN FRANCISCO — Al Horford faced a challenging decision when he decided to part ways with the Boston Celtics. After spending seven of the last nine seasons with the team, including a championship win in 2024, it was a significant change in his 18-year NBA journey.

Moving Forward Without Retirement

As Horford considered his future this offseason, one thing was certain: he was not ready to retire. If he were to leave the Celtics, joining the Golden State Warriors felt like the right choice.

A New Opportunity

“It’s a great opportunity to compete and to win at a high level,” Horford mentioned during his first media session at Chase Center. He reflected on the talents of players like Steph Curry, Draymond Green, and the impact of Jimmy Butler in the team dynamics.

Leaving Behind Boston’s Support

The prospect of Horford departing Boston seemed unlikely at the end of April, given his deep ties with the fans and organization. He was cherished in Boston, and there were questions about how long he would continue his Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Impact of Injury on Team Decisions

However, everything changed when Jayson Tatum suffered a significant injury in the playoffs. With Tatum potentially sidelined for most of the upcoming season, the Celtics took a different approach, trading away both Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, while also seeing Horford leave in free agency.

Working with the Warriors

With the Celtics undergoing a major reset, Horford’s transfer to the Warriors became more plausible. His skills align well with the Warriors’ style, where he can contribute as both a defender and an offensive connector alongside stars like Curry and Green.

Embracing the Change

Despite this shift, Horford expressed enthusiasm for his new role. He signed a two-year deal worth $5.7 million, and although there was initial uncertainty this offseason, he is focused on preparing for the season: “Just my whole focus was on my training and preparing myself,” he stated.