Al Horford made sure to let the Boston Celtics fan base know exactly how he felt about them and the franchise before moving on. He arrived in the 2016-17 season and helped mentor a young Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He spent seven of the past nine years with the team, including the 2023-24 season when Boston captured the title.
Even though many Celtics fans hoped Horford would finish his career in green, the team ultimately didn’t bring him back due to cap constraints while managing Tatum’s Achilles injury. Having spent some of his best years in Boston, Horford shared those emotions in a heartfelt goodbye.
Al Horford Reflects Fondly on His Celtics Journey and Memories
Horford may have launched his career with the Atlanta Hawks, where he played nine seasons, but he’s perhaps most strongly associated with his years in Boston.
Once his move to the Golden State Warriors became official, where he’ll join forces with Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the veteran big man addressed Celtics fans on social media.
“From the moment we arrived, you have welcomed my family and I with open arms. This chapter in my career will hold a special place in my heart. Raising Banner 18 with this city will be a moment I will always cherish. I am forever grateful for the fans and the organization. Thank you, Boston,” he wrote.
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) September 28, 2025
Horford’s arrival helped cement Boston as a perennial playoff presence, inching closer to the mountaintop with each passing season. They reached the Finals in 2022, only to fall to the Warriors — the very team Horford is now set to join.
Two years later, the Celtics finally reached the pinnacle, defeating the Dallas Mavericks in 2024 to secure their long-awaited 18th championship banner.
Because Horford already achieved that milestone in Boston — and with the organization choosing not to re-sign him — even critics have little reason to fault his choice to chase another ring in Golden State. While contract details remain under wraps, expectations are that this final chapter of his career will be spent alongside Curry and company.
With Boston shifting into a brief rebuilding phase and Golden State pushing all its chips into a title run, Horford’s addition could prove pivotal. One thing is certain: all eyes will be on his return to TD Garden as a Warrior in the 2025-26 season, set for March 18, 2026. His first game against the Celtics will be a month prior, on Feb. 19, 2026.
