Report: Al Horford Could Still Opt for Retirement This Offseson

According to a new report from ESPN, forward Al Horford could potentially opt for retirement despite having interest from contending teams. 

The report comes courtesy of ESPN's Anthony Slater in an article about the best free agents who have yet to sign a free agent contract. Slater writes:

"Horford is comfortable waiting. Retirement remains on the table, sources said, though the Warriors appear to be operating as if he is a firm part of their plan next season. Horford would slide in as the presumed starting center, lessening the regular-season load on Draymond Green, which is a priority. Horford's ability to pass and defend fits well into the Warriors' system. His ability to shoot from the center spot is something they've been sorely lacking."

Players like Horford who have made a fortune in the league are typically looking for certain things at this point in their careers. Golden State, a contending team with plenty of minutes to offer seems like a strong fit for Horford. 

Over his career, Horford has been a five-time All-Star. The third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, he also has been named to the NBA's All-Defensive team once and the All-NBA team once. 

Horford still provides the same kind of defense and rebounding he did when he was a young player. Despite his age, he still battles against the best NBA frontcourt players on a nightly basis. The forward has also become more of a willing shooter from three-point range, helping to spread the floor on offense. He is now a career 37% shooter from three.