When the Boston Celtics set out to defend their 2024 NBA championship next season, they’ll do so with Al Horford on their roster.
Hours after the Celtics captured their 18th NBA title in franchise history by beating the Dallas Mavericks in Game 5 of the 2024 NBA Finals on Monday night, the team’s owner, Wyc Grousbeck, told The Greg Hill Show that Horford will return for what will be the 18th season of his NBA career.
“Al is coming back for next year,” Grousbeck said, via Bleacher Report. “That’s what I’ve been told. Ironically, we won in ’08 over Al’s team. The Hawks took us to seven in the first round. So, we were part of his drought, and now he came home to us. He loves it here. He and his family love it here. He couldn’t be happier, and we are also happy to have him.”
Prior to Monday night, the 38-year-old Horford was already a decorated NBA player, having amassed five All-Star and one All-NBA third-team selection over the course of his first 17 seasons in the NBA. The Celtics’ title, however, marked the first of his career and added to a resume that also includes a pair of NCAA national championships from his time at Florida.
While Horford has seen a reduced role in recent years, he remained a key contributor and veteran presence on Boston‘s 2024 title team. He is slated to make $9.5 million next season, which also marks the final year of his current contract with the Celtics.
About Ben Axelrod
Ben Axelrod is a veteran of the sports media landscape, having most recently worked for NBC's Cleveland affiliate, WKYC. Prior to his time in Cleveland, he covered Ohio State football and the Big Ten for outlets including Cox Media Group, Bleacher Report, Scout and Rivals.