The Boston Celtics let Al Horford walk in the offseason because they knew he was declining. The 39-year-old played a key role on their 2024 title squad and several contending rosters. Horford made his [reasons for joining the Warriors clear](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/al-horford-shares-why-he-left-celtics-for-warriors-brad-stevens-steph-curry), but the Celtics' desire to trim payroll after Jayson Tatum’s injury played a key role. Boston let the five-time All-Star go because they knew he’d be on the verge of retirement by the time the Celtics were ready to contend again.
He has taken a massive step back in Golden State. The Warriors [are managing his minutes](https://hardwoodhoudini.com/warriors-making-al-horford-realization-celtics-fans-already-knew), but the decline has tanked his production. Horford is averaging 6.0 points, 4.3 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 1.0 block in just 21.5 minutes per game. He is shooting just 36.0 percent from the field and has been a negative when on the floor.
The Warriors are all-in on contending and saw Horford’s impact up close in the 2022 NBA Finals. Having a stretch five that protects the rim is what Draymond Green has spent years asking for, but Golden State has not gotten the production they expected.
Celtics knew Al Horford was nearing the end of his legendary career
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His advanced metrics tell the tale of his decline. Horford had a 3.2 value over replacement player (VORP) in 2022. It slipped to 2.5 in 2023 and held steady in 2024. Last season, he dipped to 1.3 and has been a negative to begin the 2025-26 campaign. Father Time is undefeated. The Celtics saw his drop-off up close and were wise to let him walk when they did.
It is a long season. The 6’9 big man could be saving some bullets for later in the year, but things have been atrocious to start his Warriors tenure. Horford sits 388th of 460 players to appear in an NBA game this season in win shares per 48 minutes. He has been unplayable.
Celtics fans do not want to hear this. Horford became a legend in Boston and had a redemption arc after leaving for the 76ers in 2019, only to return two years later. His ability to defend big men like Joel Embiid, while rebounding, protecting the rim, sinking shots, and making plays made him a one-of-a-kind option. Boston doesn’t win the 2024 title without him. That is the player Cs fans want to remember.
Brad Stevens cut bait at exactly the right time. Horford turns 40 in June. Fans knew this drop-off was coming, but they did not expect it to happen so fast. The Celtics knew. Tatum’s injury made it easier to tear down their roster, but dumping Horford and saving the dollars will help Boston build a title contender around their star duo next season.
The Boston Celtics let Al Horford walk in free agency because they knew he was reaching the end of his legendary career. Golden State was happy to sign him and likely still believes he will be impactful in the playoffs. Celtics fans know you do not count Horford out. A bounce back could be coming, but Boston looks right. It was time to move on.