Al Horford still remains unsigned as has been the case throughout free agency. That part has been well-chronicled as the big man is still expected to sign with the Warriors. But due to Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga stalemate in restricted free agency, that’s slowed down other free-agent signings like Horford.
However, NBA insider Jake Fischer noted an important perk Horford could get from the Warriors in free agency. He described on a Bleacher Report show how Horford is unique compared to other prospective Warriors free agents.
“Al Horford’s situation is a bit different because, depending on where the Warriors land in a cap, tax situation, I believe he is slated to potentially make upwards of the full taxpayer mid-level exception,” Fischer said. “There’s also been some discussion about whether or not he could potentially be receiving a two-year deal with a player option on his deal, as well, which would be pretty beneficial for Al Horford.”
The full taxpayer mid-level exception is set to be around $5.7 million — that means Horford is still getting contracts worth more than the veteran’s minimum despite turning 39 earlier this summer. The interesting tidbit is also how Horford could end up getting a two-year contract. That’d be a big perk for the veteran at this point in his career. It could also be a nod to how much longer Horford wants to continue playing in the league.
Horford has reportedly considered retirement in the past few years. That’s no surprise as he’s about to enter his 19th season in the NBA. But if he does indeed get a two-year contract, with a player option, that could be a sign he wants to play beyond the 2025-26 season. Of course, the benefit is that Horford could also retire next summer if that’s the choice he makes.
Regardless, Horford still isn’t expected back on the Celtics this next season. Boston has operated this offseason knowing that as the C’s have altered their roster significantly. For now, it’s looking more and more like Horford will end up in Golden State.
“Dating back to the stretch run with the Celtics championship in 2023, that he was potentially considering retirement,” Fischer said. “That’s something that we were told he was considering in this offseason, too. So for Al Horford to potentially be getting a player option in all of this and something north of the veteran’s minimum would certainly be a come-up for the near-40-year-old center, who, by all accounts, the Warriors are expecting to hold a pretty major role in their rotation.”
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