SAN FRANCISCO — Veteran center Al Horford said Wednesday that signing with the Golden State Warriors was the clear next step in his career once it became apparent he would not return to the Boston Celtics.
“It’s a great opportunity to compete and win at a high level,” Horford told reporters during his introductory news conference at Chase Center. “If I had to leave Boston, this was the place.”
The 39-year-old spent seven of the past nine seasons in Boston and helped the franchise capture the 2024 NBA championship, his first title in 18 years. Despite considering retirement early in the offseason, Horford instead accepted a two-year contract worth the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, which includes a player option for 2026-27.
Horford’s exit from Boston followed major roster changes triggered by Jayson Tatum’s torn right Achilles tendon in Game 4 of last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. With Tatum expected to miss most or all of the 2025-26 campaign, the Celtics traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and lost Horford and Luke Kornet in free agency as part of a financial reset.
Golden State head coach Steve Kerr cited Horford’s versatility as a perfect fit alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and newly acquired Jimmy Butler in the team’s read-and-react system. “He rebounds, defends, passes and spaces the floor,” Kerr said. “He can play with Draymond, with Trayce Jackson-Davis, or as the lone big in a five-out lineup.”
Boston had routinely rested Horford on back-to-back nights to manage his workload. When asked if that plan would continue in the Bay Area, both Horford and Kerr deferred to the team’s medical staff.
Finalizing Horford’s deal had to wait until restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga reached a two-year agreement with the Warriors late Tuesday. That resolution also cleared the way for guard De’Anthony Melton and other newcomers to complete their contracts.
Horford called the prolonged process “odd,” but said he spent the summer training and preparing for his 19th NBA season. “I’m glad it’s settled and I’m here,” he said.
Source: ESPN
