Al Horford Says Warriors Were 'Obvious Choice' After Celtics Departure

AP Photos/ Mark Stockewell

SAN FRANCISCO — After nearly a decade in Boston and fresh off an emotional championship run in 2024, veteran forward Al Horford made a surprising yet calculated move this offseason, signing with the Golden State Warriors. In his first media appearance at Chase Center on Wednesday, Horford called the Warriors “an obvious choice” if he was going to leave the Celtics — a team he had called home for seven of the past nine years.

“It's a great opportunity to compete and to win at a high level,” Horford said. “When I think about the Warriors, I think about Steph [Curry], Draymond [Green], Steve Kerr, and now Jimmy Butler. What Jimmy did in the second half of last season — it was really impressive. This is a group that’s serious about winning.”

Horford, 39, joins a reloaded Warriors squad that features a strong veteran core and renewed championship aspirations following the addition of Butler at last year’s trade deadline. His decision to leave Boston, however, wasn’t easy — especially after capturing his first NBA title in his 18th season.

But a brutal twist in Boston's postseason campaign changed everything.

The Turning Point in Boston

The Celtics' 2025 title hopes were shattered when Jayson Tatum suffered a torn Achilles in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Knicks. With their superstar sidelined indefinitely, Boston initiated a soft reset, dealing Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis and allowing Horford and center Luke Kornet to walk in free agency.

Suddenly, what once seemed like an improbable exit became a necessary shift for both Horford and the franchise.

A Seamless Fit in Golden State

Horford inked a two-year deal with Golden State for the $5.7 million taxpayer midlevel exception, including a player option for the 2026–27 season. Though the deal was delayed due to restricted free agency negotiations with forward Jonathan Kuminga — which were resolved just Tuesday — Horford made it clear he’s thrilled to be in San Francisco.

Warriors head coach Steve Kerr echoed that excitement.

“It’s huge to not only have a stretch five, but to have Al Horford — that’s different,” Kerr said. “He rebounds, defends, makes smart decisions, passes well... He’s just a seamless fit. You can plug him into any lineup.”

Kerr highlighted Horford’s versatility as a key to unlocking multiple lineup combinations — whether playing alongside Green in a spaced-out five-man set, or partnering with Trayce Jackson-Davis as a two-big look.

Managing the Minutes

Horford’s leadership and IQ remain elite, but so does the awareness of his age. Both he and Kerr were cautious when asked about back-to-backs, a topic that Boston managed carefully in recent years to keep Horford fresh throughout the season.

“The medical team will be monitoring everything,” Kerr said, sidestepping specifics. Horford added that his focus has been on staying in peak shape.

“It was definitely a very odd offseason,” Horford admitted. “Waiting and waiting to see what was going to happen. My focus was on training, staying ready, and making sure I’m prepared once things opened up.”

Warriors’ Win-Now Window

With Curry and Green still anchoring the team and Butler bringing renewed fire to the roster, Golden State has clearly pushed its chips in for another title run. The addition of steady veterans like Horford and De’Anthony Melton — also introduced Wednesday — adds depth, maturity, and playoff toughness to a roster that thrives under pressure.

For Horford, it’s a shot at one more deep playoff run with a group that knows how to win.

“It wasn’t easy to leave Boston,” he said. “But if there was ever a place to go — it was this one. I jumped at the opportunity.”

Up Next:The Warriors continue training camp this week, with their first preseason game set for next Tuesday. All eyes will be on how quickly Horford and the rest of the new pieces can gel in Kerr’s system.