May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) returns up court against the New York Knicks in the fourth quarter during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images David Butler II-Imagn Images

Celtics’ Al Horford Has Made Decision on NBA Future, Says Insider

Originally posted on Boston Celtics on SI | By Ryan Stano | Last updated Aug 19, 2025 3:00 PM ET

The Boston Celtics wanted to keep Al Horford if at all possible this offseason. They love what he brings to the team both on the court and in the locker room.

Despite that, the Celtics won't have Horford available next season. He has been stuck in free agency limbo, presumably waiting on the Jonathan Kuminga situation with the Warriors.

That situation seems to be holding up se veral free agents, but it looks like Horford has made an official decision to sign with the Golden State Warriors for next season.

More news: Celtics Legend Reveals Why Boston Won’t Take Step Back This Season

Former Celtics center Al Horford will sign with the Warriors

Horford has decided that he will sign a deal with the Warriors, according to NBA insider Brandon "Scoop B" Robinson. Horford continues to wait out the Kuminga situation, as expected.

Steph Curry wants Gary Payton II back in Golden State, sources tell me.

Curry’s been in direct contact with GP2, pushing for a reunion on a 2-year deal.

Here's my latest ➡️ https://t.co/RJXMjbfbHU

Draymond Green's also on board. Payton wants it too.

When Steph speaks, the… pic.twitter.com/xp30mcolkY
— Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 18, 2025

The Celtics certainly could have used Horford heading into next season because of how poor their center position is right now. They don't have a reliable starter at that spot.

With Horford in Golden State, the Celtics will have to rely on newly acquired centers Chris Boucher and Luka Garza, plus incumbent Neemias Queta, to man that spot next year. It's unclear at this point which one will start.

The Celtics might end up making a move at the trade deadline to get a new center if neither of them ends up working out at that spot. They really just need a center for the 2026-27 season.

2026-27 is when Boston believes they can go back to being a contender because Jayson Tatum will be fully healthy from the torn Achilles he suffered during the playoffs.

More news: Celtics Insider Explains Why Joe Mazzulla is Facing Biggest Test Yet This Year

Al Horford will try to win one more title without the Celtics

This is likely going to be Horford's last season in the NBA, as he also contemplated retirement before making th e decision to sign with the Warriors. He clearly thought Golden State offered him a better chance to win a title than Boston does.

Horford has one championship in his long career, winning a title with Boston back in 2024. Adding one more would be a good way for him to go out.

This past year with Boston, Horford averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.