Celtics

“He loves it here.”

Among the many enjoyable conclusions for the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship was getting to see Al Horford finally win a title.

Horford, 38, played 17 seasons before he was able to hoist the Larry O’Brien Championship Trophy. Inevitably, one of the major questions heading into next season is whether or not Horford will retire.

According to Celtics lead owner Wyc Grousbeck, Horford will be back for an 18th season.

“Al is coming back for next year,” Grousbeck said in a Tuesday morning interview with “The Greg Hill Show” on WEEI. “That’s what I’ve been told. Age 38, which is unbelievable.”

Grousbeck added that most of the roster is younger and could compete for titles for years to come, also noting that the team recently agreed to a contract extension with 33-year-old Jrue Holiday.

“They’re young,” Grousbeck said of the Celtics’ core.

The Celtics’ co-owner has been involved with the team since 2002, and has seen one other championship (in 2008). He referenced the earlier title run while discussing Horford, who was a rookie with the Atlanta Hawks at the time.

“Ironically, we won in ’08 over Al’s team,” Grousbeck recalled. “The Hawks took us to seven in the first round. So, we were part of his drought, and now he came home to us. He loves it here. He and his family love it here. He couldn’t be happier, and we are all so happy [for him].”