'We'll figure out what's best': Thunder forward Al Horford responds to trade speculation

Al Horford accepted his role in the rebuild and the Thunder took pride in having Horford on its roster, but the timeline between player and organization hasn’t matched. 

Only an outsized contract has anchored the five-time All Star in Oklahoma City. 

Horford played well in 28 games with the Thunder, further modernizing his game by attempting 5.4 3-pointers per game as a 34-year-old center, but Horford was shut down in late March with 28 games to go. 

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander suffered what turned out to be a season-ending foot injury, which accelerated the mutual decision to sit Horford. 

The Thunder prioritized its younger players and thus improved its lottery odds. Horford avoided injuries and saved a few miles. 

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“Putting me in the best position to be able to play at a high level for many years to come,” Horford said Monday in his exit interview. 

Now entering the offseason, a trade seems likely. 

“I’m sure that I’ll be talking with the team and we’ll figure out what’s best,” Horford said when asked if he expects to be dealt. 

Horford has two years left on his contract. He’s due $27 million next season and $26.5 million in 2022-23, but only $14.5 million is guaranteed in that final year. 

“He's under our umbrella right now, and we're going to be present with him in the offseason just like we are with the rest of the group,” Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said. 

After a disappointing season with the 76ers, which led to a draft-night trade to the Thunder, Horford proved he can still play. 

He averaged 14.2 points, his highest scoring average since 2015-16, with 6.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. He shot 45% overall and 37% from 3-point range as a pick-and-pop partner with Gilgeous-Alexander. 

“As far as his future, any team would be lucky to have a guy like Al Horford on their team,” Gilgeous-Alexander said. “And not only for what he can do on the court, but off the court as well.”

Daigneault echoed those thoughts. 

“I'm so grateful that the first true veteran, former All-Star, current All-Star caliber player that I get to coach as a head coach is Al Horford,” Daigneault said. “He makes you a better coach. He makes his teammates better players.” 

Much like Thunder general manager Sam Presti worked with Chris Paul last offseason to send Paul to a preferred destination in Phoenix, Presti is likely to work with Horford on finding a good fit. 

Horford is no longer the All-NBA player that Paul is, but both veterans followed the Thunder’s plan and made nothing but positive impressions on a young roster. 

“I think the biggest thing is the great communication that we've had here since I got here,” Horford said. “Right from the very beginning, Sam has been very open with me, transparent, and they've made me feel like family here. 

“I'm confident in the future that we'll have great talks when that time comes.”