Boston Celtics
“Thank you, Boston.”
The Celtics’ frontcourt depth has taken another hit. Veteran center Al Horford has agreed to a multi-year deal with the Golden State Warriors, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
Horford posted a good-bye message on the social media platform X, thanking the Celtics and Boston fans.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms,” Horford wrote. “This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising a banner in this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston.”
Horford has spent seven of the last nine seasons with the Celtics. He arrived as a free agent acquisition ahead of the 2017 season, and left for Philadelphia the next time free agency came around. After a year in Philadelphia and another one in Oklahoma City, the Celtics brought him back via trade in 2021.
During his second stint with the Celtics, the multi-time All-Star learned how to adapt to a role on the bench, serving as a key reserve during Boston’s 2024 title run. At age 38, Horford remained a productive contributor, averaging 9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 27.7 minutes per game off the bench. He played in 60 of the Celtics’ 82 games last season.
Horford’s departure is just the latest in a series of shifts within the Celtics’ frontcourt. Boston dealt Kristaps Porzingis to Atlanta as part of its quest to get below the second apron level of the luxury tax. Luke Kornet signed with the Spurs in free-agency. Now, Horford is heading out West to join Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and the aging Warriors.
The Celtics retained Neemias Queta, and added Luka Garza in free-agency. The bulk of both players’ pro experience has been at the G-League level so far. Queta played in 62 games for the Celtics last season, marking the first time he had spent more than 30 games with an NBA club in a season.
Boston also drafted Amari Williams, a 23-year-old, 7-foot center out of Kentucky in the second round.
This upcoming season will be Horford’s 19th in the NBA. He spent nine years in Atlanta, seven in Boston, and had a pair of short stints in Philadelphia and Oklahoma City in between. He won his first title in Boston, and was steady presence on the court for years.
Sign up for the Today newsletter
Get everything you need to know to start your day, delivered right to your inbox every morning.
