The Boston Celtics enter the 2025-26 campaign with a new-look roster following a disappointing offseason focused on shedding salary.
The Celtics began their cost-cutting moves by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. They also rerouted Georges Niang to the Utah Jazz, whom they acquired in the Porzingis trade with the Atlanta Hawks. Additionally, the club lost Al Horford and Luke Kornet to the Golden State Warriors and San Antonio Spurs, respectively, in free agency.
Horford, in particular, spent the last four seasons in Boston, winning his first NBA championship in 2024. Now, he’ll aim to help the Warriors and Stephen Curry return to the NBA Finals for the first time since their 2022 series victory over the Celtics.
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Al Horford opens up about Celtics departure
After Jayson Tatum’s ruptured Achilles in last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals, the Celtics are not expected to contend for a title. Now, Horford will get a chance to win a second championship as his career nears its end. According to Brian Robb of MassLive, Horford is excited for the new opportunity alongside Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.
“It’s a great opportunity to compete and win at a high level,” Horford said. “When I think about the Warriors, I think about Steph and Draymond and Steve Kerr and seeing Jimmy Butler here. … It wasn’t an easy decision for me to leave Boston, but if there was the place, that was the one, and it happened and I happened to give this opportunity, so I jumped at it.”
Golden State signed Horford to a two-year, $11.7 million deal using the taxpayer mid-level exception. His contract includes a player option for the 2026-27 campaign. Entering his age-39 season, it remains unclear how much longer he’ll play.
Horford is expected to play a key role for Golden State as the team looks to maximize Curry’s remaining years. The Warriors’ center group was an issue for the team last season, with Green occasionally filling in as a small-ball center.
However, they’ll now add Horford to the mix, who has remained productive in the latter stages of his career. The veteran big man is also able to space the floor, which should fit well alongside Curry and the Warriors.
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