Celtics’ Al Horford Agrees to Two-Year Extension, With Trade Kicker

Celtics center/forward Al Horford has agreed to a two-year contract extension worth $20 million, agent Jason Glushon told Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

The deal is fully guaranteed and includes a trade kicker, added Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe. Horford is in the final season of four-year deal that will pay him $26.5 million.

Horford, 36, is 6-foot-9 and has a reputation of being a favorite of teammates and coaches with his always professional approach to the job.

“Al is such an important part of our team,” president of basketball operations Brad Stevens said in a statement confirming the move. “He’s a high-level player who enhances everyone around him on both ends of the court. His work ethic, commitment to his body and craft, and his unselfishness set a daily example on how to win big in the NBA.

“His leadership has had a big impact on the coaches and players with whom he’s competed here in Boston, and we’re excited that he and his family are choosing to remain Celtics for years to come.”

He is averaging 10.9 points and 6.3 rebounds. shooting 55 percent from the field, as the defending Eastern Conference champions are off to an 18-4 start (through Wednesday). This despite the fact they are missing injured starting center Robert Williams III. Horford, clearly, is a among the reasons why the Celtics have looked as good as ever.

Only part of this season’s contract was guaranteed, noted ESPN’s Bobby Marks, though the latest agreement between the Celtics and Horford guarantees it fully.

This actually marks Horford’s second stint with Boston, as he also played for the franchise from 2016-19. He spent the first nine seasons of his career with the Hawks after being selected with the third pick of the 2007 NBA Draft.

He also played for the 76ers in 2019-20, and appeared in 28 games with the Thunder the following season, before returning to the Celtics.

The $26.5M contract for this season will also become fully guaranteed.

It had a partial guarantee of $19.5M.

Boston has $156M in committed salary for 2023/24. https://t.co/s2DghQOlX5

— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) December 1, 2022