While the Celtics would’ve loved to have Al Horford back for another season in Boston, as free agency continued, those odds looked slim. It was unclear going into the offseason what Horford’s plan would be for his future, whether that was returning to Boston, signing with a different team or just retiring from the league altogether.
By midway through the summer, Horford seemed destined to sign with the Warriors. That was indeed the case as Golden State formally signed Horford right before training camp. Horford, in a conversation with The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, revealed arguably the key reason why he chose the Warriors over running it back with the Celtics: he wanted a chance at another championship.
“There was two things there,” Horford told Friedell. “I think the financial part was a component, but more than that, it was the winning part of it, trying to contend for a championship. And I think there was a lot of things up in the air — and it just felt like they weren’t in the same, that same vision, obviously, because (Jayson Tatum) getting hurt, that takes a big toll. So I think at that point I really had to — up until then I was staying in Boston the whole time.”
As expected, Tatum’s ruptured Achilles tendon played a factor in Horford’s decision. The Celtics were bound to make major roster changes this offseason considering salary cap ramifications regardless of if Tatum was hurt or not. However, Tatum’s injury — even though he’s seemingly progressing well — was going to force the Celtics to take a step back, as well.
It’s also no surprise Horford wanted another opportunity to win a title. He won it all with the Celtics in 2024, getting to the mountaintop for the first time in his career. But as he enters his age-39 season, he only has so many years left to play in the league. So maximizing his opportunity to earn another ring makes sense. The financials were another factor, as he pointed out, though Horford has made plenty of money playing in the league.
Now, Horford is onto the next step of his career with the Warriors. He joins a team of strong veterans like Stephen Curry, Draymond Green and Jimmy Butler, all of whom are looking to make a title push. Horford should fit in nicely with his shooting and as a versatile defender. He also showed last season he can contribute in the playoffs even though he’s not getting any younger.
“I think once that offseason happened and it started to progress, it became clear to me the team had different priorities,” Horford said. “Obviously, getting rid of Jrue, getting rid of Kristaps. And I know it’s all salary stuff, but it was like a domino effect, and it was tough for me. It was a tough decision.”
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