Al Horford is not ready to walk away from the NBA just yet. After speculation that the 40-year-old veteran could retire, Horford has decided to remain with the Golden State Warriors, declining his $6 million player option and agreeing to a new two-year, $14 million contract, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania and Anthony Slater.
The second year of the deal includes a player option, giving Horford flexibility as he approaches the end of a remarkable career. The agreement also makes history. Horford will become just the 13th player in NBA history to reach a 20th NBA season, adding another milestone to a career that already includes five All-Star appearances and an NBA championship.
Although Golden State has spoken about getting younger, bringing Horford back makes plenty of sense.
The Warriors are operating above the salary cap, limiting the ways they can improve the roster this offseason. Re-signing Horford allows them to retain an experienced contributor without using valuable exceptions that could instead be spent elsewhere in free agency.
Even at 40 years old, Horford remained productive last season. He appeared in 45 regular-season games, averaging 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 2.6 assists while shooting 42.6% from the field and 36.1% from three-point range. His ability to stretch the floor, defend multiple positions, protect the rim, and make quick decisions with the ball continued to make him an important part of Steve Kerr’s rotation.
His biggest moment came late in the season when he buried four fourth-quarter three-pointers in the Warriors’ Play-In Tournament victory over the Clippers, reminding everyone that he still has the ability to swing meaningful games.
Horford’s new deal is another reminder that his value extends well beyond the box score. Few big men possess his combination of basketball IQ, defensive versatility, shooting, and playoff experience.
As the Warriors chase another title, keeping one of the league’s most respected veterans around was a logical move. Retirement rumors will have to wait. Horford is coming back for at least one more run, and perhaps two.
