Celtics-bound Al Horford says good-bye to Atlanta, fans

Al Hoford's exit from Atlanta became official Thursday, with the start of the NBA's salary cap year, and the Celtics-bound All-Star took out a full-page ad to thank Hawks as he departs.

"You made my NBA dream come true 9 years ago," Horford said in the ad, which appeared in Thursday's Atlanta Journal-Constitution.. "You welcomes me with open arms. You supported me through the ups and downs. You were the reason for our success. I will remember everything we accomplished. I cherish each and every memory. I am grateful for each and every fan. I wish everyone the best. Before I leave, from the bottom of my heart, thank you Atlanta."

Horford, who signed a four-year, $113 million deal with Boston, announced his decision in a July 2 tweet that said "Celtic Pride!!!!!" followed by a series of shamrocks.

A four-time All-Star, the 30-year-old center was taken by Atlanta with the third pick in the 2007 draft. He averaged 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds over 578 regular-season games with the Hawks, and another 12.9 points and 8.4 boards in 74 playoff games. Horford represented the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game each of the past two seasons, years in which the Hawks won a Southeast Division title and reached the East finals (2014-15) and advanced to the second round ('15-16).

That latter postseason appearance included a six-game series win over the Celtics -- Horford's new team -- in the opening-round.

While Horford departs, the Hawks were able to retain swingman Kent Bazemore with a four-year, $70 million deal, and brought in another big man in Horford's place with Dwight Howard. An Atlanta native and eight-time All-Star, Howard agreed to a three-year, $70.5 million contract to join the Hawks.