Celtics' Al Horford Plans to Return for 18th NBA Season After Title, Governor Says

Al Horford isn't going to walk off into the sunset after winning his first NBA championship.

Boston Celtics owner Wyc Grousbeck confirmed Horford is set to return for an 18th NBA season.

"Al is coming back for next year," Grousbeck told The Greg Hill Show. "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."

Horford, who turned 38 earlier this month, is set to make $9.5 million next season. He averaged 8.6 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.6 assists per game, spending much of the year as a reserve for the first time in his career.

The five-time All-Star played a career-low 26.8 minutes per game while sacrificing his starting spot for Kristaps Porziņģis, who was acquired during the offseason. When Porziņģis went down in Boston's first-round series against the Miami Heat, Horford stepped back into the lineup with ease and helped the Celtics to their first title since 2008.

Boston should be considered the favorite to repeat entering next season. The Celtics do not have any major contributors heading to free agency this summer, and Grousbeck appears willing to spend into the second luxury tax apron for at least the 2024-25 campaign. The front office should actually be able to create an even stronger roster as ring-hungry veterans look to join the champs on the minimum.

No NBA team has repeated as champs since the Miami Heat in 2012 and 2013.