Al Horford Breaks Silence on Leaving Celtics

May 5, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla talks with center Al Horford (42) from the sideline as they take on the New York Knicks during game one of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Now-former Boston Celtics All-Star and champion power forward/center Al Horford has penned a fond farewell to the Celtics faithful in an Instagram post. Horford has spent seven of his last nine likely Hall of Fame seasons in Boston.

"From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms," Horford wrote. "This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. 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."

During his seven seasons in Boston, Horford averaged 11.2 points on .484/.388/.815 shooting splits, 6.8 boards, 3.6 dimes, 1.1 blocks and 0.7 rejections a night in 465 regular season bouts (415 starts). The Celtics made the postseason in each of those years, averaging 11.5 points on .500/.399/.794 shooting splits, 7.7 rebounds, 3.3 assists, 1.2 blocks and 0.8 steals in 119 bouts (113 starts).

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Early Sunday, Horford's agent leaked to Shams Charania of ESPN that the 6-foot-9 Florida product, a five-time All-Star in his prime, was signing a long-term deal to join the Golden State Warriors.

The mutual interest between Horford and Golden State had long been rumored, but with a "verbal agreement" pending a deal for restricted free agent Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga, it's now semi-official.

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Horford, 39, remains a shockingly high-level two-way big man, even on the cusp of his 19th NBA season.

Across 60 bouts (42 starts) last year with the 61-21 Celtics, the one-time All-NBA honoree averaged 9.0 points on .423/.363/.895 shooting splits, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.6 steals a night in just 27.7 minutes per.

Horford's Next Warriors Step

Now, Horford will join a loaded-if-aging Warriors squad that also boasts future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry (who's 37), Jimmy Butler (36), and Draymond Green (35). Golden State is still negotiating a deal with 6-foot-8 restricted free agent power forward Jonathan Kuminga, who has until Oct. 1 to pick up his qualifying offer.

The Warriors are reportedly also eyeing free agent guards De'Anthony Melton, Gary Payton II, and Seth Curry (Stephen Curry's little brother), plus wing Caleb Martin. Everyone's fate is apparently on ice until the Kuminga business is resolved, which will affect how much Golden State can pay Horford or Melton, both of whom could likely fetch more than the veteran's minimum.

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