Al Horford Intends To Return For 2025-26 Season

According to a report from Brett Siegel, the Boston Celtics’ 38-year-old veteran Al Horford will return to play in the 2025-26 NBA season. Siegel said, “While he will be 39 years young on June 3, Horford still intends on playing for the Celtics in what would be his 19th year during the 2025-26 season.”

Horford’s status has been in question year to year, as many believed he would retire after the Celtics’ NBA Championship in 2024. But he has continued to play and played well despite his age. He is an excellent presence among the team and will be welcomed back with open arms. 

Al Horford’s Current Role

Al Horford’s role on the Celtics in 2025 is not as integral as in previous years, but he can still step up when the team needs him. This season, Horford did not play back-to-backs, and when Kristaps Porzingis returned to the lineup, he came off the bench. He averaged 9 points per game and shot 36.3% from three, down from 41.9% and 44.6% in the last two seasons. Yet, when push came to shove, Horford turned back the clock in moments throughout the regular season and playoffs.

In Game 3 of the second round against the New York Knicks, Horford scored 15 points, shooting 6-of-9 from the field and 3-of-4 from three. He also hustles on defense. Al Horford does not have the size of an elite interior defender, at just 6’9”, but he has the heart. No matter the opponent, every team has tried to exploit Boston by switching Horford onto their primary ball handler.

Trae Young, Tyrese Haliburton, Luka Doncic, Kyrie Irving, and Jalen Brunson have all tried this in playoff series. While Horford does not stop them every time, he holds his own and is not an easy target. But this does not mean Al Horford is perfect. He has his down games, and with his age, he can’t play as big of a role as he used to. In Boston’s playoff elimination, Porzingis struggled with an illness and was a hindrance in the second round against the Knicks.

But asking Horford to play 30 minutes a night is too much at this stage in his career. So, when Porzingis played poorly, the Celtics did not have many options other than the 38-year-old Horford and Luke Kornet, who had a great Game 5 but was not consistent throughout the playoffs.

The Celtics’ Direction

Al Horford’s contract is set to expire this offseason, meaning that a new deal will be made for his return. Horford currently makes $9.5 million per year, which the Celtics should replicate. At this stage, Horford playing anywhere other than Boston would feel strange, even if someone offers him a large contract. But with Boston’s current salary situation, they would need another big man to take the load off Horford.

Kornet is on an expiring contract, set to be a free agent, and Porzingis has been involved in trade rumors due to the Celtics’ expensive roster. Players are going to be moved, but Horford’s abilities at his age should be considered. Also, there is the elephant in the room of Jayson Tatum. Tatum is expected to miss all of next season with a torn Achilles. Al Horford was a key mentor for Tatum in Boston, and now, with Tatum’s injury, they may not contend for a title in his absence, and Horford and Tatum may never play together again.

Final Thoughts

Al Horford’s return is interesting because he has shown the ability to turn back the clock and play at a high level many times over the past few seasons. Even if he cannot carry the entire load as the sole big man, he is an excellent presence on the Celtics and beloved by the fans.F