Horford hints at why he decided to leave the Celtics.

Al Horford offered a thoughtful but measured response when reflecting on his decision to leave the Boston Celtics, suggesting that his departure was driven by reasons that extended beyond basketball alone. Speaking before facing his former team, Horford admitted there was more to the story than he is currently prepared to share publicly.

In San Francisco, Horford went through a familiar pregame routine, taking warmup shots alongside his son Ean before sitting down with reporters in the locker room. It was a scene that once played out regularly during his years in Boston, only this time he was dressed in Golden State Warriors colors. For many observers, the sight still feels unusual, especially considering that Boston remains well ahead of Golden State in the standings.

When asked directly why he chose to leave the franchise where he won his first NBA championship and spent the majority of his career, Horford emphasized that the reasoning ran deeper than on-court considerations. He described it as a personal decision that, at the right time, he may explain in more detail. For now, he simply felt that it was the appropriate moment to move on and embrace a new chapter elsewhere.

Horford ultimately signed a two-year deal worth $11.7 million with the Warriors late in the offseason. Reports had already indicated in early July that his time in Boston was nearing its end. Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens later confirmed that the organization had attempted to retain both Horford and Luke Kornet. However, Boston’s financial flexibility was limited, particularly after committing minimum contracts to other frontcourt players.

There were broader circumstances surrounding Horford’s exit as well. The emotional toll of Jayson Tatum’s Achilles injury during the playoffs left a lasting impression. Horford was reportedly close to tears in the locker room after Game 4. Additionally, Stevens hinted after Boston’s Game 6 loss that financial realities might force changes involving key contributors such as Kristaps Porziņģis and Jrue Holiday. It felt like the conclusion of a significant era for the franchise.

Retirement was said to be one of several options Horford considered during the offseason. Teammate Payton Pritchard publicly expressed the importance of bringing the veteran big man back. Yet almost immediately after free agency opened, Horford was linked to Golden State. Once the Warriors finalized their complicated salary cap maneuvers and officially signed him, Horford cited his desire to continue competing at a high level as a central reason for the move.

Ahead of this week’s matchup, Horford acknowledged that Boston’s continued success has not surprised him. He pointed out that even last season, the Celtics frequently dealt with injuries to key players, including Porziņģis and Holiday, yet still managed to win consistently. That resilience, he explained, served as a blueprint. According to Horford, the team’s buy-in to head coach Joe Mazzulla’s system and the strong work of the coaching staff have kept the machine running smoothly. The culture and continuity, he suggested, are why Boston remains dominant.

Horford’s father, Tito, revealed months earlier that he was initially surprised by his son’s departure. He described the decision as being influenced by factors beyond Horford’s direct control. At the time, reports suggested that Boston could offer only a minimum contract, whereas Golden State extended the taxpayer mid-level exception across two seasons.

With the Warriors, Horford has averaged 7.6 points, 4.9 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game, shooting 42.9% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. While the opportunity to play a meaningful role factored into his decision, he has started only five of his first 34 appearances, often coming off the bench.

In Thursday’s game against Boston, both Horford and Porziņģis entered as reserves. The Warriors quickly found themselves overwhelmed, trailing by as many as 34 points in the third quarter. They mounted a fourth-quarter push, narrowing the deficit to 11 behind contributions from their former Celtics players in a dual-big lineup. Horford finished with five points, eight rebounds and four assists, though he shot just 2-for-10 from the field.

After the final buzzer, Mazzulla sought out Horford’s son for a photo, and several Celtics players warmly greeted their former teammate. Horford admitted the entire experience felt strange. Golden State, he observed indirectly, appears to be in the early stages of building cohesion, while Boston resembles a finely tuned unit that has developed chemistry over multiple seasons.

Despite the uncertainty about how his career will conclude, Horford left the door open to a possible return to Boston someday. He acknowledged that finishing in green would be a privilege, though he remains fully focused on the present and helping the Warriors navigate the remainder of the season.