Celtics sign Al Horford to a two-year, $20 million extension
BOSTON -- Al Horford's second stint with the Celtics will continue for a few more years. Horford has agreed to a two-year extension that will keep him with the team through 2025.
He was all smiles when signing the contract.
"Boston has become a home to me and my family as my teammates and I continue to strive towards winning Banner 18," Horford said Thursday.
The team did not disclose terms of the deal, but Horford will make $20 million on the extension, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. That is a bargain for such an important player to Boston's success.
Horford is making $26.5 million this season, the final year of a four-year, $109 million contract that he originally signed with the Philadelphia 76ers after leaving Boston as a free agent in 2019. He struggled in Philly and was dumped to the Thunder in 2020, before enjoying a career revival with the Celtics last year.
Horford was a steadying presence for Boston last season, and an integral piece for a team that went to the NBA Finals. The 36-year-old is averaging 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds for Boston this season, and has been an anchor in the frontcourt while Robert Williams works his way back from offseason knee surgery. The Celtics are an NBA-best 18-4 on the season.
"Al is such an important part of our team," Celtics president of basketball ops. Brad Stevens said in a statement. "He's a high-level player who enhances everyone around him on both ends of the court. His work ethic, commitment to his body and craft, and his unselfishness set a daily example on how to win big in the NBA. His leadership has had a big impact on the coaches and players he's competed alongside here in Boston, and we're excited that he and his family are choosing to remain Celtics for years to come."
Horford's extremely team-friendly deal that will keep him with the team through his 39th birthday. Including his current deal, Horford is essentially in Boston for the next three years at $46.5 million, which is a bargain by NBA standards.
Next season, the Boston frontcourt of Horford and Williams will cost the team just $21 million. That will give Stevens plenty of flexibility to bring the entire band back, with forward Grant Williams set to become a restricted free agent and Jaylen Brown potentially due for an extension.
