Al Horford Says Leaving Celtics for Warriors Wasn't 'Easy,' Didn't Consider Retirement

Veteran forward Al Horford explained that departing the Boston Celtics to sign with the Golden State Warriors in free agency was a difficult decision.

"It wasn't an easy decision for me to leave Boston," Horford told reporters Wednesday. "But if there was a place, it was this one and it happened. I happened to get this opportunity, so I jumped at it."

The 39-year-old also revealed that he was never considering retirement during the offseason, per ESPN's Tim Bontemps.

Horford signed a two-year, $12 million contract with the Warriors on Sunday.

He spent the past four seasons as a member of the Celtics, helping the organization capture an NBA Finals victory in 2024. Horford also had a prior stint in Boston from 2016-19.

His defensive versatility and perimeter shooting made him a key piece of the Celtics' rotation throughout his tenure with the team, and the Warriors will be hoping that he can have a similar impact following the change of scenery.

Horford is set to operate as Golden State's new starting center, according to ESPN's Shams Charania.

He's coming off a strong 2024-25 campaign in Boston, averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds to go along with 2.1 assists per game on 42.3/36.3/89.5 shooting splits.

Horford's plus-11.5 net rating was the second-highest among all Celtics players to appear in at least 30 games last season (via NBA.com).

Now, he'll look to thrive in a complementary role on both ends of the floor alongside Warriors stars Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler.

Golden State has been busy as of late following a quiet start to free agency, agreeing to contracts with guards Gary Payton II and D'Anthony Melton on Sunday.

The Warriors also brought back restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga on Tuesday, handing him a two-year deal worth $48.5 million.

Following a flurry of recent acquisitions headlined by the signing of Horford, Golden State will be looking to improve upon a 48-34 finish last year.