Free agent Al Horford has officially concluded his journey with the Boston Celtics. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that he is set to sign a multi-year contract with the Golden State Warriors.
Charania said Horford has “verbally committed” to the team and will sign the contract once restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga reaches a final decision.
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This has been a long time coming for Boston. During a press conference in May, team president Brad Stevens first hinted at the center’s “unlikely” return.
“The only reason I haven’t talked about Al is because that’s not final,” Stevens said after Boston’s EC semifinals loss to the New York Knicks. “…But another guy that, if he were to go and play somewhere else, I think, is an all-time Celtic and a winner and did everything he could for this organization.“
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In the 2024-2025 season, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists, starting 42 of his 60 games. He played seven seasons in Boston and was crucial to the 2024 championship team.
Entering his 19th year in the NBA, Horford took to social media to express his gratitude to the team and the fans, bidding one last goodbye to the TD Garden.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart,” he wrote. “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.”
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An all-time Celtic veteran
Big Al first joined the Celtics in 2016. He would spend four seasons with the team, playing under then-coach Stevens. Horford left in 2019 when he joined the Philadelphia 76ers, and during the 2019 Celtics’ media day, forward Jayson Tatum emphasized the big man’s role in his early years.
“Al definitely helped me out a lot my [first] two years,” he said in 2019. “Al Horford was one of my favorite teammates. I miss him.“
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Horford returned in the 2021-2022 season. During his second tenure, Al cemented his reputation as an essential locker room presence, something center Luke Kornet appreciated.
“He’s an incredibly accomplished player and great, but in terms of an identity for the team, so much of it is him and his leadership. A lot of it is silent and goes without being noticed,” Kornet said in May. “He’s the best teammate I’ve ever played with.”
Related: “I’m going to give you everything I’ve got” – Rasheed Wallace knew he was going to retire after the Game 7 of the 2010 Finals
What this means for Golden State and Boston
Horford is expected to add height and provide more 3-point shooting options for the Warriors as a stretch big. His passing and spacing will also be huge offensive help for Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. On the defensive end, the 6-foot-9 center will also add more protection in the paint, easing the defensive burden on Warriors forward Draymond Green.
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In Boston, Horford’s departure is expected to be a massive loss for its offense and defense, dealing a huge blow to its title hopes this year. Center Neemias Queta is expected to fill in the starting role, with Luka Garza, Chris Boucher and Xavier Tillman Sr. serving as backups.
Horford’s hunt for his second NBA ring will begin when the Warriors face the Los Angeles Lakers on October 21st. With Curry, Butler, and Green still playing at an elite level, winning another title is highly possible for the 39-year-old.
It’s hard to say the same for the Celtics; they’ll have to cope with Horford’s loss and Tatum’s injury. Their roster is looking slim to contend in the East, as Big Al will be sorely missed at the Garden.
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Related: “I am more locked in than I’ve ever been in my life” – Jaylen Brown declares he is ready to lead the new Boston Celtics era
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Sep 29, 2025, where it first appeared in the new News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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