Al Horford's Decision on Warriors Contract Revealed in NBA Rumors amid Retirement, Free Agency Buzz

Al Horford is opting out of his contract, but he intends to return to the NBA for a 20th season with the Golden State Warriors.

Per ESPN's Shams Charania, Horford is declining his $6 million player option and will sign a new two-year, $14 million contract to return to Golden State.

"Me being here a year, being acclimated with [coach Steve] Kerr, with Steph, with everybody else, I feel like we can continue to take steps forward and have a better season," Horford told ESPN's Anthony Slater and Charania. "If the group is healthy, if we're together, I feel like we're going to compete," Horford added. "I don't want to think too much ahead, but once we're able to get Jimmy and [Moses Moody] back ... we have a very competitive group and we're going to do the best that we can."

Slater and Charania noted Horford "will become the 13th player in NBA history to reach a 20th season, joining LeBron James, Vince Carter, Chris Paul, Dirk Nowitzki, Kevin Garnett, Kevin Willis, Robert Parish, Kyle Lowry, Udonis Haslem, Jamal Crawford, Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar."

Horford reacted to his milestone to ESPN. "I knew a few off the top of my head, but I hadn't seen the list," Horford said. "It's hard to believe. It's something that, for me, I'm very grateful. It's just so hard to be in this league for that amount of years. There's a lot of commitment, a lot of sacrifice and time. I still feel like I'm able to contribute and have an impact on a team."

Horford's decision comes after the Warriors were able to bring back head coach Steve Kerr on a two-year contract amid speculation that he might opt to walk away.

It also comes as the Warriors wait for official word from Draymond Green about his option, though the expectation is he will opt in to his $27.7 million salary for next season.

Even though a two-year contract will take Horford out of the trade market this offseason, he could still end up being moved prior to the trade deadline in February depending on how things play out for the Warriors in 2026-27.

Horford remains an effective role player 19 years into his career, averaging 8.3 points on 36.1 percent three-point shooting and 5.0 rebounds per game in 43 appearances last season.

"I feel really good. I'm taking care of myself," Horford said, per Slater and Charania. "The last five years, honestly, I've been taking it year to year. That's been my approach. But with this two-year deal I'm signing, I'm like, 'Hey, let's just kind of let it rip.' I'm not going to limit myself. As long as I feel good and I'm helping the team and we're doing great things, we'll keep it going."

Golden State isn't a team loaded with size, so it's not a surprise the team would want to keep Horford around.

Horford has also been praised by past teammates for his leadership ability.

Things with the Warriors didn't go as planned last season primarily because of injuries to Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. They have a lot of work to do with an older core to get back to being a serious title contender, but the upside if Curry can stay healthy gives them a chance to at least be interesting.

Horford's return will give the Warriors' depth a nice boost as they start to build for the upcoming season.

It's a safe assumption that at this point in his career, Horford's main priority is a team that's capable of winning a championship. He won his first—and to date, only—NBA title with the Boston Celtics during the 2023-24 season.

Horford said last offseason that one of the reasons he sought out the Warriors in free agency is because he thought they offered him a chance to compete for a title.

Even though that didn't pan out like anyone involved was hoping last season, Horford is ready to continue his career in Golden State for a chance to get back to the top of the mountain.