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,

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

Speaking to reporters, Brad Stevens said that it's "unlikely" Al Horford will return to the Celtics for the 2025-26 season.

Al Horford could help a lot of teams: He can score inside, knock down 3s, and remains a quality defender. At age 39, a team has to monitor his minutes and not run him like he’s 29, but in a limited role, he could help a lot of playoff teams. It’s why he is one of the best free agents still on the market.

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.

BOSTON — While acknowledging the benefit of potentially escaping the luxury tax next season, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens suggested Tuesday that no further trades are imminent and the Celtics could be done with significant changes this offseason.

Horford, who has played seven of his 18 NBA seasons in Boston over two different stints, is coming off a 2024-25 season that where he averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per night, while shooting 42.3 percent (36.3 percent from deep), in 60 games for the Celtics.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors are facing a new threat when it comes to free agent center Al Horford.

Adding Horford would undoubtedly be an upgrade due to his perimeter scoring, positional defense and veteran leadership.

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.

According to Marc Grandi, the Warriors have a handshake deal with Al Horford to join the roster, and a decision on Jonathan Kuminga has put a hold on its progress.