Al Horford To Retire After 2023 Season? Keep Playing Or Call it Quits?

Celtics Front Office Has Major Decision To Make

Will they re-sign him for another farewell season or let him walk away?

As of this writing, the Celtics are in Orlando getting ready for their next game against the Magic. However, Celtics' fans are looking ahead to the upcoming offseason and wondering whether or not 36-year-old Al Horford will be back in a Boston uniform.

The media had the chance to ask Brad Stevens about it during his press conference in Orlando.

“As an organization, we love Al Horford, and he’s a huge part of what we’re doing,” Stevens said. “But we’ll have those conversations after the season, like we always do.”

Horford is in the final year of a two-year deal worth $20.2 million, and he has a player option for the 2023-24 season worth $19.5 million.

The veteran big man is averaging 11.9 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists per game this season, and he is still a valuable contributor to the Celtics.

“He’s been a consummate professional, and he’s been great for our young guys,” Stevens said. “He’s a guy that everybody respects, and he’s a guy that we want to keep around. But again, we’ll have those conversations after the season.”

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to re-sign Horford will come down to what the Celtics believe is in the best interest of the team.

If they believe that he can still be a valuable contributor and help them win a championship, then they will likely re-sign him.

However, if they believe that it is time to move on, then they will likely let him walk.

It is also worth noting that Horford has a home in Atlanta, and he may be interested in returning to the Hawks, where he played from 2007 to 2016.

Ultimately, the decision of where Horford plays next season is up to him.

But if he does decide to retire, he will go down as one of the most respected players in Celtics history.