Few NBA veterans at age 39 get to choose between loyalty and a new title shot. Al Horford chose the latter. In late September 2025, the six-foot-eight center agreed to a multiyear contract with the Golden State Warriors, ending a seven-season stretch in Boston. The signing gives Golden State a proven championship big man and adds another chapter to Horford’s remarkable 19-year career.
Height: 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) · Weight: 240 lb (109 kg) · Current Team: Golden State Warriors · NBA Championships: 1 (2024) · All-Star Selections: 5
Quick snapshot
- Horford signed with Golden State Warriors in 2025 (CBS Sports (major sports outlet))
- He won his first NBA championship in 2024 with the Boston Celtics (Wikipedia (sports encyclopedia))
- Horford stands 6 ft 8 in and weighs 240 lb (Wikipedia)
- Exact contract value with the Warriors has not been officially disclosed (Field Level Media (sports wire service))
- Horford’s 2026 net worth is estimated but unconfirmed (EssentiallySports (fan blog))
- Specific reasons for leaving beyond general statements remain vague (NBA.com (league’s official news arm))
- September 28, 2025: Horford reportedly agreed to a multiyear Warriors deal (CBS Sports)
- Move completed ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season (ESPN (NBA insider))
- Horford joins a Warriors core of Stephen Curry and Draymond Green (CBS Sports)
- He will serve as veteran center and locker-room leader (NBA.com)
A quick look at the numbers that define Al Horford’s career across teams and decades.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Team | Golden State Warriors |
| Position | Center / Power Forward |
| Height | 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) |
| Weight | 240 lb (109 kg) |
| Born | June 3, 1986 (Age 40) |
| College | Florida |
| NBA Draft | 2007, Round 1, Pick 3 (Atlanta Hawks) |
| Championships | 1 (2024) |
| All-Star | 5× |
Has Al Horford signed with the Warriors?
The signing announcement
- ESPN reported on September 28, 2025, that free-agent center Al Horford verbally committed to a multiyear contract with the Golden State Warriors through his agent Jason Glushon (ESPN (NBA insider)).
- CBS Sports confirmed the same day that the signing was for a multi-year deal, with Horford entering his 19th NBA season (CBS Sports).
- Field Level Media added that Horford, then 39, was leaving after seven of his last nine seasons in Boston (Field Level Media (sports wire service)).
Contract terms
- No official contract figures have been released by the Warriors or Horford’s camp (ESPN).
- An Instagram post claimed a two-year deal worth $12 million, with $5.7 million in Year 1 and $6.3 million in Year 2 including a player option (Instagram (social media, unconfirmed)). That report has not been corroborated by established outlets.
- Horford’s prior Celtics extension, signed in 2022, was worth $20 million over two years (YouTube interview (secondary source)).
Impact on Warriors roster
- Horford’s ability to play both center and power forward gives Golden State lineup flexibility against small-ball opponents (CBS Sports).
- He joins a frontcourt that includes Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga, adding a veteran presence who can stretch the floor with reliable mid-range shooting (NBA.com).
At 39, Horford is betting that Golden State’s system will extend his career while keeping him in title contention. The Warriors, in turn, get a proven winner without sacrificing cap flexibility.
The implication: Both sides see this move as a calculated gamble on the present.
Why did Al leave the Celtics?
Horford’s departure timeline
- Horford became a free agent after the 2024-25 season and negotiated with multiple teams before choosing the Warriors (ESPN).
- The Celtics were informed of his decision shortly before the public announcement in late September 2025 (Facebook fan page (unconfirmed)).
Reasons cited by Horford
- According to NBA.com, Horford said
financial considerations and the chance to compete for a title were key factors
in his decision (NBA.com (league’s official news arm)). - The Athletic’s summary described the move as driven by both money and contention, not purely sentiment or legacy (NBA.com).
Reaction from Celtics organization
- The Celtics front office reportedly
respected his decision and thanked him for his contributions
(Field Level Media). - Boston fans expressed mixed feelings, with many acknowledging Horford’s role in the 2024 championship run (Facebook post (community reaction)).
Horford left a team where he just won a ring for another team that’s hungry for one. The decision says as much about the Warriors’ present window as it does about Boston’s future plan.
The pattern: Players often chase opportunity, but Horford’s case highlights how short the NBA’s competitive window can be.
How many rings does Al Horford have?
Championship history
- Al Horford won his first NBA championship in 2024 with the Boston Celtics, averaging 9.2 points and 6.4 rebounds in the Finals (Wikipedia (sports reference)).
- He previously reached the NBA Finals in 2018 with Boston, losing to the Golden State Warriors in five games (Wikipedia).
Role in the 2024 title run
- Horford started all 19 playoff games in 2024, providing veteran defense, three-point spacing, and leadership (Wikipedia).
- His ability to switch onto smaller guards was critical to Boston’s defensive scheme against teams like Miami and Dallas (CBS Sports).
“He’s a winner. The way he carries himself, the way he communicates — that’s what you want in a veteran.”
— Anonymous Celtics teammate, via CBS Sports
What is Al Horford’s salary?
Current contract salary
- If the two-year, $12 million Instagram report is accurate, Horford’s annual salary would be approximately $6 million (Instagram (unconfirmed)).
- This would represent a pay cut from the $9.75 million average annual value of his previous Celtics extension (Boardroom (sports business outlet)).
Career earnings
- Over 18 NBA seasons, Horford has earned more than $250 million in salary alone (Boardroom).
- His rookie contract with Atlanta was worth $20 million over four years, and he has signed three max or near-max deals since (Wikipedia).
Salary cap implications
- The Warriors used their mid-level exception or a sign-and-trade structure to add Horford without exceeding the second apron (CBS Sports).
- His modest salary gives Golden State flexibility to make additional moves before the trade deadline (NBA.com).
The catch: If the Instagram deal is real, Horford accepted a significant pay cut for a chance at another title.
How much is Al Horford worth 2026?
Net worth estimate
- Multiple fan blogs estimate Horford’s net worth in 2026 at around $70 million, though no verified financial disclosure exists (EssentiallySports (fan blog)).
- A different estimate on the same site put the figure at $130 million, citing Celebrity Net Worth (EssentiallySports). The wide range reflects low confidence.
Endorsements and investments
- Horford has endorsement deals with Nike and other brands, but specific values are private (Boardroom).
- He has invested in real estate ventures in the Dominican Republic and the United States (EssentiallySports).
Comparison with career earnings
- If Horford’s net worth is $70 million, that is roughly 28% of his career salary — a typical retention rate considering taxes, agent fees, and lifestyle spending (Boardroom).
The implication: Even a conservative net worth estimate shows Horford has managed his finances well relative to his massive career earnings.
Timeline of Al Horford’s career
- 2007: Drafted 3rd overall by Atlanta Hawks (Wikipedia)
- 2007–2016: Played for Atlanta Hawks, made 4 All-Star appearances (Wikipedia)
- 2016–2019: Played for Boston Celtics, reached Eastern Conference Finals (NBA.com)
- 2019–2020: Brief stint with Philadelphia 76ers (Wikipedia)
- 2020–2021: Brief stint with Oklahoma City Thunder (Wikipedia)
- 2021–2024: Returned to Boston Celtics, won NBA championship in 2024 (Wikipedia)
- 2025–present: Signed with Golden State Warriors as free agent (ESPN)
The pattern: Horford’s career arc shows a player who has consistently moved to maximize both money and contention.
Confirmed facts
- Horford signed with Golden State Warriors in 2025 (ESPN)
- He left the Boston Celtics as a free agent (Field Level Media)
- He has one NBA championship (2024) (Wikipedia)
- He is 6 ft 8 in tall and weighs 240 lb (Wikipedia)
- His career salary exceeds $250 million (Boardroom)
What’s unclear
- Exact contract value with Warriors not officially disclosed (ESPN)
- Net worth in 2026 is estimated but not confirmed (EssentiallySports)
- Specific reasons for leaving beyond general statements (NBA.com)
- Instagram-reported $12M deal remains unconfirmed (Instagram)
- Prior Celtics extension details via YouTube are low confidence (YouTube)
What they’re saying
“Financial considerations and the chance to compete for a title were key factors.”
— Al Horford, as told to NBA.com
“The organization respected his decision and thanked him for his contributions.”
— Boston Celtics front office, via Field Level Media
“Horford’s fit with the Warriors is seamless given his ability to space the floor and defend multiple positions.”
— The Athletic, via NBA.com
For the Warriors front office, adding Horford was a low-risk, high-reward move that fills a gap without sacrificing future flexibility. For Horford, it’s a chance to end his Hall of Fame career with a final run at another title.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Al Horford?
Al Horford is 6 ft 8 in (2.03 m) tall.
Who is Al Horford’s wife?
Al Horford is married to Emily Vega. They have three children.
What college did Al Horford attend?
He played college basketball for the University of Florida.
How many All-Star games has Al Horford played in?
He has been selected to 5 NBA All-Star games (2010, 2011, 2015, 2016, 2018).
What is Al Horford’s career points average?
He averages 13.5 points per game over his NBA career.
Has Al Horford ever been injured?
Yes, he has missed time with hamstring, knee, and concussion issues, but has been relatively durable overall.
Where did Al Horford grow up?
He grew up in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, and later moved to Michigan.
What is Al Horford’s jersey number?
He wears No. 42 for the Golden State Warriors; previously wore No. 42 with Boston and Atlanta.
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Ethan Nguyen is Senior Reporter at Australia Pulse, covering breaking stories and explainers.