The Boston Celtics are entering the 2025-26 season with a very different look, and one of the biggest changes comes from a familiar face leaving town. Al Horford, the steady veteran who anchored Boston’s frontcourt for much of the past decade, is now heading to the Golden State Warriors.
As fans adjust to seeing him in new colors, Celtics president Brad Stevens broke his silence on the move, explaining how the team tried to keep him, but couldn’t offer much due to cap restrictions.
What Did Celtics’ GM Brad Stevens Say About Al Horford’s Exit?
Speaking Monday at Celtics Media Day, Stevens addressed Horford’s surprising switch to Golden State. The Celtics, who have lost three centers this offseason, made an effort to retain the 39-year-old, but financial constraints stood in the way.
“He deserves to make whatever decision he wants. We tried. We offered both Al and Luke [Kornet] the opportunity to stay… you can see where our contracts were, with who we signed, that we were gonna be handcuffed around the aprons a little bit,” Stevens said, per ClutchPoints’ Daniel Donabedian.
The longtime executive explained that Boston’s luxury tax position made it difficult to compete with rival offers. He added: “We gave Al an offer, but there wasn’t any expectation he wouldn’t take a bigger offer elsewhere and go for it, because that’s his right. He’s been great for us and we very much value our time together.”
Boston’s financial situation has been at the center of every decision. Back in June, ESPN reported that keeping the roster together with Jayson Tatum sidelined would have pushed the payroll and tax bill beyond $500 million, along with stiff penalties for crossing the second apron.
As it stands now, the Celtics sit about $4 million over the first apron, still leaving them far less flexibility in how they build the roster.
So, Horford’s move stings for Boston fans who watched him help deliver the 2024 championship. But Stevens made it clear the decision was more about finances than a lack of interest. “We tried,” he repeated, acknowledging both Horford’s importance to the franchise and the reality of the Celtics’ cap sheet.
Warriors Add Needed Depth With Horford as Celtics Resets
For Horford, the choice was between retirement and one more run at a title in his 19th NBA season. He opted for the latter, verbally committing to the Warriors on Sunday, Sept. 28, as the sides finalize the terms of a multi-year contract. The Warriors pursued him aggressively after losing longtime center Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans.
Horford now joins a roster that features Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green — an aging but dangerous group eager to squeeze one more championship out of its core.
His presence gives the Warriors much-needed stability inside and allows Green to preserve his energy for a full season. While Horford isn’t the same lockdown defender he once was, he still brings a high basketball IQ, solid rim protection, and floor spacing on offense.
The Celtics, meanwhile, are undergoing major changes. Along with Horford, they lost Like Kornet to the San Antonio Spurs and traded Kristaps Porzingis to the Atlanta Hawks as part of their efforts to get under the NBA’s second apron.
Point guard Jrue Holiday was also dealt to Portland in a move signaling a shift in priorities. Add in Jayson Tatum’s recovery from a ruptured Achilles, and Boston’s immediate title chances appear slim.
READ MORE: Al Horford Sends Heartfelt Message to Celtics Fans After Finally Agreeing to Sign With Warriors
Horford, who spent seven of the last nine seasons with the Celtics, was beloved in Boston for his professionalism and leadership. His exit closes a chapter that included steady production and a pivotal role in bringing the franchise its first championship since 2008. For Warriors fans, though, his arrival offers hope that their veteran stars won’t have to carry as heavy a burden.
As Stevens summed up, Boston couldn’t stand in Horford’s way. And as the Celtics retool for the future, the Warriors are betting that the big man has just enough left to help them chase one more banner.
