On the eve of Celtics training camp, Al Horford officially announced he would not be returning to Boston.
The free agent big man posted a farewell message on social media Sunday afternoon, thanking Celtics fans for their support over his seven seasons with the franchise.
Moments earlier, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Horford had “committed to a multi-year offer with the Golden State Warriors,” who were long rumored as the most likely landing spot for the 39-year-old.
“From the moment we arrived (in Boston), 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.”
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) September 28, 2025
Horford played two stints with the Celtics, the first beginning in 2016-17 and the second in 2021-22. He appeared in 465 games for Boston (415 starts) and was a key member of the 2023-24 championship team, starting the final 15 games of the Celtics’ title run after leading center Kristaps Porzingis went down with a leg injury.
Jaylen Brown, the only current Celtic whose tenure predated Horford’s, called him “a real-life legend and hero” after the 2024 NBA Finals. Other Celtics regularly shared similar praise for Horford, who was widely respected as a locker room leader.
Though his numbers declined in recent years, Horford also remained a productive player on the court. Some of his best performances last season came against elite-level opponents, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James and Nikola Jokic.
After Horford blocked five shots in a first-round playoff win over Orlando in April, head coach Joe Mazzulla said: “There should be a separate stat sheet for guys like him because of the type of stuff that he does.” Jayson Tatum echoed that praise.
“I can’t say it enough: Al is unbelievable,” Tatum said. “… Just making plays the entire night on both ends of the floor. 38 years old, he’s picking up full court, doing whatever is asked of him, and that just kind of sets the tone for everybody else. He’s got the heart of a champion.”
The Celtics had hoped to re-sign Horford this summer, and his comments during the season seemed to indicate a willingness to return. But after Tatum tore his Achilles in mid-May, significantly lowering Boston’s ceiling for the 2025-26 season, Horford changed his tune. He said in his end-of-season news conference that he would “take some time” before deciding on his next move.
Six weeks later, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens acknowledged Horford was “unlikely” to stick around. In Golden State, the 19th-year pro will have a chance to chase a second NBA title while playing alongside Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler.
The Celtics, meanwhile, are moving forward with a largely unproven group of big men after also losing Porzingis (via trade) and Luke Kornet (free agency) this offseason. Last season’s fourth-string center, Neemias Queta, is the favorite to start as training camp tips off Monday, with Luka Garza, Chris Boucher, Xavier Tillman and Amari Williams also competing for roles.
Boston is scheduled to face Horford’s Warriors in Golden State on Feb. 19 and at TD Garden on March 18.
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