Oct 5, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors center-forward Al Horford (20) waits for action to resume in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images

'Trying to Contend for a Championship' – Golden State Warriors Center Sends Clear Message on His Ultimate Goal With the Team

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Oct 15, 2025 7:15 AM ET

Al Horford made it clear that he joined the Golden State Warriors this summer in pursuit of his second NBA championship, and he hopes to finish his career in the Bay Area.

Before this, Horford spent the last four seasons with the Boston Celtics , winning his first Larry O’Brien trophy in 2024. In a recent interview with The Athletic’s Nick Friedell, he admitted that he joined the Golden State Warriors for two important reasons.

“I think that where Boston was as a team, even though I called them my home and everything was there for me, they just weren’t in a position to offer me the opportunity that I wanted,” Horford explained. “There was two things there. I think the financial part was a component, but more than that, it was the winning part of it, trying to contend for a championship.”

Jan 20, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) dribbles the ball next to Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) in the third quarter at the Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

“And I think there was a lot of things up in the air, and it just felt like they weren’t in the same, that same vision, obviously, because JT getting hurt, that takes a big toll. So I think at that point I really had to, up until then I was staying in Boston the whole time,” he added.

Golden State Warriors News: Stephen Curry opens up on chemistry with Al Horford

The Golden State Warriors began their preseason with a 111-103 win over the Los Angeles Lakers, and Stephen Curry said he enjoyed playing alongside Al Horford for the first time.

“Unspoken Chemistry”: Stephen Curry Gets Candid on Early Connection With 5-Time All-Star 3 Jun 16, 2022; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) goes for the. Ball against Boston Celtics forward Grant Williams (12) and center Al Horford (42) in game six of the 2022 NBA Finals at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

“Obviously, a high IQ, experienced, championship caliber player that can fit with any lineup out there. He gives us space, he gives us presence on the defensive end. You saw the pass he made to me out of the corner,” Curry said about Horford via ESPN’s Anthony Slater.

“So the give-and-go was just how our unspoken chemistry will continue to get better. But he is multidimensional as a five man, and I’m excited to see what that looks like for me, Jimmy, JK, Draymond, like any lineup, he could go out there and be the five,” he added.