Golden State Warriors veteran Al Horford said Tuesday that he plans to finish his career in the Bay Area, telling The Athletic’s Nick Friedell that “the Dubs could be my last team” as he prepares for his 19th NBA season.
Recruiting Push From Curry and Green
Horford, 39, noted during last week’s introductory press conference that he had no prior relationship with Stephen Curry or Draymond Green. Once reports surfaced that Golden State was interested, both stars reached out directly.
“I had communication with Steph and Draymond, and that was important,” Horford said. “They told me, ‘We’d love to have you.’ Looking at the fit and the potential, it just felt right.”
Leaving Boston Only for Golden State
The five-time All-Star signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Warriors after spending the last four seasons—and seven overall—with the Boston Celtics. He stressed that retirement was never an option and that Golden State was the only situation that could pull him away from Boston.
Celtics’ Uncertain Outlook Influenced Decision
Horford pointed to Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury and Boston’s shifting priorities as key factors in his departure.
“Even though I called Boston my home, they weren’t in a position to offer the opportunity I wanted,” he said. “The financial part was a component, but more than that, it was about trying to contend for a championship.”
The Celtics moved Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis in an effort to trim payroll and avoid luxury-tax penalties, cutting projected salary commitments from $540 million to $239 million since the 2025 draft, according to ESPN’s Bobby Marks. Horford said those moves underscored a change in team priorities.
Productive at Both Ends
Last season Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists in 60 games (42 starts) while shooting 42.3 percent from the field, 36.3 percent from three and a career-best 89.5 percent at the foul line. His 46 percent effective field-goal percentage allowed on isolation plays ranked seventh best in the league, per GeniusIQ.
ESPN Stats & Information notes that Horford is one of only four players in NBA history with at least 900 made three-pointers and 1,300 blocked shots, joining Rasheed Wallace, Brook Lopez and Clifford Robinson.
With a new contract and the backing of the Warriors’ core, Horford said he is focused on helping Golden State compete for another title—and he expects his career to end where this next chapter begins.
Source: Basketball Insiders
