Al Horford denied rumors that he considered retirement this offseason, even as he prepares to start a new chapter with the Golden State Warriors.
“Not at all,” Horford told reporters after being introduced as the Warriors’ new starting center. “I knew I wanted to keep playing. It’s a great opportunity to compete and to win at a high level.”
The 39-year-old center leaves Boston after helping the Celtics capture their 2024 championship and providing veteran leadership over multiple stints with the franchise. In a heartfelt message to Celtics fans, Horford expressed gratitude for the city that embraced him and his family.
“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. Raising banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and organization. Thank you, Boston,” Horford wrote shortly on social media after the signing news broke.
Celtics Tried to Keep Horford
Celtics president Brad Stevens confirmed the team made a genuine effort to retain Horford, along with backup center Luke Kornet, but cap limitations constrained what they could offer.
“First of all, those guys have the right to make those decisions for themselves, especially when they’re unrestricted free agents,” Stevens said. “Al, and you know I’ve been here, I was coaching and flew down to Atlanta, and was part of that group that tried to recruit Al to come here the first time in 2016. He left a couple of years later, and we were fortunate enough to get him back.”
Horford originally joined Boston in 2016, left in 2019 for a four-year, $109 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers, and was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder the following offseason. The Celtics re-acquired him in 2021, valuing his defensive versatility and veteran presence.
Stevens said, “I just think he deserves to make whatever decision he wants. We tried. We offered both Luke and Al the opportunity to stay. But you can see where our contracts were… we were gonna be handcuffed around the aprons a little bit.”
Family Was Central to the Decision to Leave
Horford said family considerations played a key role in his decision.
“Definitely a lot of emotions, a lot of questions — especially when trying to make a decision,” he said. “More than anything, I wanted to make sure that my family and everybody were stable and in place. That was the biggest thing. Once I knew my family was good, then everything else was kind of easy.”
Horford joined the Warriors on a two-year, $12 million contract that includes a player option for the second season. He also highlighted his children’s excitement about his new opportunity.
“Once we told the kids, they were definitely surprised — we were pretty settled,” Horford said. “But once time started to pass and they knew I was coming here, my son especially, was very excited. He’s really into basketball history and now he’s at the age where he understands more. My girls are excited too.”
Focused on Staying Competitive
The offseason presented unique challenges, including waiting on the resolution of Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga’s contract standoff, but Horford focused on preparation.
“My whole focus was on my training, preparing myself, and making sure I was in the best place when the season started,” he said.
Horford departs Boston as a beloved veteran whose contributions helped the Celtics raise Banner 18, leaving behind a lasting legacy of leadership, championship success, and defensive consistency. While fans may lament his departure, his role in their 2024 championship ensures he will be remembered as a cornerstone of the franchise.
Al Horford Denies Rumors, Shares Why He Left Celtics