Now that their season has come to a premature end, Celtics fans have turned their attention to the offseason. The biggest questions surrounding the Boston Celtics are regarding who stays and who leaves amid the looming cap crisis. While most are focusing on what will happen with Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Derrick White, there is a storyline that will be a huge factor in determining how good the Celtics will be next season: the future of Al Horford.
Horford has arguably aged more gracefully than anyone not named LeBron James in recent years. He is about to turn 39 this summer, but he continues to be an impactful player on both ends of the floor. The versatile big man is not only durable and consistent, but his play style is a huge part of how the Celtics like to play. He can shoot, pass, and make quick decisions while being able to switch on the defensive end and protect the rim at the same time. Finding a replacement for a player like that is hard for any team, let alone a team with limited financial resources like the Celtics.
Fortunately for Boston, Horford is reportedly not going anywhere. Brett Siegel of ClutchPoints confirmed ESPN's Brian Windhorst's reporting from earlier and said that Horford "intends on playing for the Celtics" next season.
"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 remaining with the Celtics has seemed like a given for quite some time, as Brian Windhorst of ESPN also previously reported on the veteran's desire to return."Brett Siegel, ClutchPoints
This means that the Celtics will have to sign Horford to a new contract. The five-time All-Star could potentially return on a minimum contract to allow Boston to get under the second apron and add more to the roster at the same time. The Celtics will likely have to move on from Holiday and/or Porzingis this offseason, regardless, but having the continuity and veteran presence of Horford will be important in a transition season.
It looks like the Celtics icon and fan favorite will be in Boston for at least another season.