The Boston Celtics and veteran center Al Horford agreed to a two-year, $20 million contract extension. Horford was due to become a free agent after the 2022-23 NBA season. Horford’s agency Glushon Sports Management said on Twitter and Instagram that Horford’s new deal will start in 2023-24 and run through the 2023-25 season. He will make $26.5 million this season.

Horford averaged 13.6 points and 8.1 rebounds per game over his first 968 career appearances. He earned five All-Star selections and was an All-NBA selection in 2010-11. The 6’9″ center has averaged 10.9 points, 6.3 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game in 18 starts so far this season. Last season, the 36-year-old Hereford averaged 10.2 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.4 assists in 69 starts- his first season with the Celtics. The 16-year veteran joined the Celtics in a 2021 trade from the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Celtics (18-4) will host the Miami Heat (10-12) at 7:30 p.m. EST Friday in Boston.

Editorial credit: f28 Production / Shutterstock.com