Al Horford. Winslow Townson-Imagn Images

Celtics’ Brad Stevens Makes New Al Horford Statement After Warriors Report

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jul 13, 2025 8:08 PM ET

All indications are that Al Horford is as good as gone for the Boston Celtics. Since the offseason started, the 39-year-old big man has been linked to the Golden State Warriors. Marc Stein and Jake Fischer reported on July 12 that those around the NBA believe Horford will sign with the Warriors.

"Numerous rival teams continue to regard Golden State as the overwhelming favorite to sign both Al Horford and Melton," they wrote.

Horford's second tenure with the Celtics has lasted from 2021 to 2025. This offseason marked the first time he has entered unrestricted free agency since 2019, when he coincidentally also left the Celtics, but for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Celtics' President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens seemingly confirmed that Horford won't return to the Celtics during an interview on NBA TV (aggregated by the X account Oh No He Didn't ) during Boston's Summer League matchup against the New York Knicks. While listing all of Boston's departures, he included Horford, who technically hasn't signed yet.

"It's hard to see Jrue go. It's hard to see Kristaps go, Luke, Al," Stevens said. "It's just been unbelievable people to have in our group and have added value... I know when they come back to Boston this year, it'll be pretty special, the tributes to all of them."

Brad Stevens: "It's hard to see Jrue go. It's hard to see Kristaps go, Luke, Al"

Pretty much confirmed Horford won't be back in Beantownpic.twitter.com/97K2TJpQsa
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) July 13, 2025

Technically, Stevens didn't confirm that Horford was going to the Warriors, but he confirmed that the big man won't be back with the Celtics for the 2025-26 season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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