Not retired! 39-year-old veteran Horford confirmed his return, and the Celtics inside double towers are expected to play for another season

Veteran Horford has new updates recently! The center forward, who is about to celebrate his 39th birthday on June 3, made a clear statement to the team, hoping to continue wearing the Celtics jersey in the 2024-25 season. The latest news from Brett Siegel, a reporter from Clutch Points, shows that although Horford and his teammate Cornett's contracts will expire this summer, the two have expressed their strong desire to stay with the team management.

"Al (Horford) still maintains her pure love for the game," a source familiar with the inside story revealed, "He still maintains systematic training every day, and his physical condition can fully support high-intensity games. " The 2007 Tanhua Show played 60 games in the regular season this season, contributing 9 points and 6 rebounds per game, and maintains an amazing shooting percentage of 41.9% outside the three-point line.

In the critical battle of the playoffs, head coach Mazula even increased Horford's playing time to 31.5 minutes per game. Although the scoring data has dropped slightly, his role on the defensive end is irreplaceable - in the series facing the Cavaliers and Pacers, the veteran successfully restricted the performance of the opponent's core inside line many times.

In addition to Horford, another inside player, Luke Connett, also expressed his willingness to stay in the team. The 2.16-meter long man averaged 4.7 points and 3.9 rebounds per game this season, but his ability to protect the frame on the defensive end is an important puzzle of the Celtics' defensive system. Sources revealed that the team's management is actively operating and hopes to retain the pair's inside combination at a reasonable price.

ESPN senior reporter Brian Windhorst previously analyzed on the show: "There is obviously oil in the Horford fuel tank. As long as he remains healthy, he can play for two more seasons. The Celtics need his locker room leadership, especially as this young team strives for the championship. "There is currently progressing with the two parties' contract renewal negotiations, and the specific contract details are expected to be announced after the free market is opened.

It is worth mentioning that if Horford successfully renews his contract, he will usher in his 18th season of his career. The five-time All-Star veteran has reached the Eastern Conference Finals three times since returning to Boston in 2021, and has helped the team return to the finals stage this season after 16 years.