Could veteran Boston Celtics big man Al Horford retire from the NBA instead of joining the Golden State Warriors in free agency? By most accounts in both the local and the wider league media, the University of Florida alum was seen as a future Warrior,

Al Horford is reportedly weighing retirement as one of the few remaining unrestricted free agents on the NBA market, according to The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said it’s “highly unlikely” that the 39-year-old center will return to Boston when asked at a Tuesday press conference.

Boston Celtics general manager Brad Stevens says it is "unlikely" that Al Horford will return to Boston next season.

Veteran center Al Horford is reportedly contemplating a significant career move. Reports suggest that Horford's decision may heavily influence the interest from the Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets.

Al Horford is set to enter his 19th season in the NBA next season. For the last four seasons, he has been playing for the Boston Celtics, where he has achieved great success, including winning the NBA Championship in 2024, the first of his career. Last season with the Celtics, Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game.

Stevens noted that the organization offered a contract to Horford as well as Kornet, who agreed to a four-year, $41 million deal with the San Antonio Spurs this week. Horford has

We’re a week into free agency and there have been more trades than impactful signings, but there are a handful of available players at moderate salaries that could impact their new teams, including Celtics center Al Horford.

Al Horford’s NBA future has been the subject of speculation throughout the offseason. After helping the Boston Celtics through another deep playoff run in 2024-25, the 39-year-old now faces a critical decision: continue playing or walk away after a decorated career.

Horford is reportedly considering offers from the Warriors and Lakers, while the Nuggets are also rumored to have interest. His departure would represent another hit to the Celtics’ frontcourt, which has already lost Kornet to San Antonio in free agency and Kristaps Porzingis via trade.

If Horford does decide to play, the Golden State Warriors are the favorites to land him, according to long-time NBA insider Marc Stein. The Los Angeles Lakers were also in the running for Horford, but signing centers Deandre Ayton and Jaxson Hayes earlier this summer likely takes them out of the running.