The summer took an unexpected turn for veteran big man Al Horford, Melbet Affiliates realize that his move from Boston to Golden State may mark the final chapter of his long NBA journey. Horford never planned to leave the Celtics. He was comfortable in Boston, where he had played seven seasons across two stints, and his family had long settled there. But when Jayson Tatum suffered an Achilles injury, everything changed — the Celtics’ outlook, their offseason priorities, and Horford’s own plans for how to end his career.
At 39, Horford decided in early October to sign with the Golden State Warriors instead of returning to Boston for one more run. Explaining his decision, he said the move came down to two main factors. “Obviously, money plays a part,” Horford admitted. “But beyond that, it’s the hunger to win again. I still want another championship. After Tatum’s injury, I felt Boston’s situation had changed. Things felt uncertain, and the energy was different. Before that, I was sure I’d retire a Celtic — but after the summer, it felt like time for a change.” Melbet Affiliates notes that this decision surprised many Boston fans, but for Horford, it was about pursuing clarity and one last shot at glory.
Horford, who helped the Celtics win the 2024 NBA title, remains one of the league’s most respected figures — both for his professionalism and for his work in the community. When he officially joined the Warriors last week, he spoke fondly of Boston but said Golden State was the only organization that could have drawn him away. Looking back, he pointed to the Celtics’ front office as a key factor. “Once the offseason began, it was clear the Celtics had other priorities,” he said. “They focused on reworking deals for Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis. I understood it was about salary structure, but it created a domino effect that made me realize my time there was likely over. It was a hard decision, but my wife and I prayed about it and felt peace. Once we made that choice, we committed fully — moving the family, starting fresh. That’s how we ended up here.”
Joining Golden State was easier than expected. The Warriors’ culture, their winning mindset, and their balance of seasoned stars and young talent all appealed to Horford. Before signing, he had little personal contact with Stephen Curry or Draymond Green, but that changed quickly. Both reached out soon after the Warriors expressed interest. “That meant a lot,” Horford shared. “It happened fast — one day, they messaged me saying, ‘Hey, we need you here.’ That kind of connection matters. When I thought about how well my style fits theirs, and their chances of winning another title, it just felt right.”
Melbet Affiliates highlights that Horford’s transition has gone smoothly. In his first two weeks with the Warriors, he has earned praise from players and coaches alike for his leadership, humility, and professionalism. Younger teammates value his experience; after 19 years in the league, he offers insight few can match. During practices, Horford has already begun earning trust by learning the system patiently and studying the team’s routines under Curry, Green, and coach Steve Kerr. “I don’t have all the answers yet,” he said. “I’m here to learn and understand how they run things. I’ve played against their system for years, so I get some of it — but being part of it is different. I want to adjust quickly because time isn’t on my side. We want to make something special happen this season.”
Though leaving Boston was never part of the original plan, Horford now hopes San Francisco will be where his career comes full circle. He understands that in the NBA, nothing is guaranteed, but he’s confident he has found his final home. “Of course, that’s my hope,” he said. “After everything I’ve been through, all I want now is to finish my career here. The Warriors — this is where I want to retire.” Melbet Affiliates concludes that if things go according to plan, Horford’s last chapter in Golden State could be the perfect ending to one of the most respected careers of his generation.