Getty

Al Horford of the Golden State Warriors during an NBA play-in game.

The Golden State Warriors have some important decisions to make this summer after Steve Kerr signed a new two-year contract. Several players could enter free agency, including Al Horford, who has a player option for next season.

Speaking on Friday’s press conference, Kerr and Warriors general manager Mike Dunleavy Jr. discussed the possibility of bringing back Horford if he becomes a free agent. The Warriors are interested in welcoming him back to the Bay Area, but the ball is in his court.

“You know, Al has an option,” Dunleavy said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I think frankly his option is two-fold: One, do you want to keep playing? Two, do you want to be back with the Warriors?”

Kerr added, “I had an exit meeting with Al a couple of days after the season ended. Obviously, we want him back. It’s his option with the player option. I know he really enjoys it here. I know his family loves it here. I’m hoping he’s back.”

Horford signed a two-year, $11.7 million contract with the Warriors last summer, with a player option for the second season. He had a solid first season in Golden State, especially at his age.

He averaged 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game. However, he was limited to 45 games due to injuries, though he had a memorable performance in the NBA Play-In Tournament against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Al Horford Mulling 20th Season or Retirement

During his exit interview with the Golden State Warriors last month, Al Horford explained that he’s going to take some time to make a decision about his future. Horford will be turning 40 years old on June 3, and he’s going to discuss his plans with his family.

Horford is one season away from joining the 20-year club, but he has also been mulling retirement for the past few years.

“It has to do with not rushing to anything or not let emotions or heat of the moment determine anything,” Horford said, via NBC Sports Bay Area. “I’ve done this the last few years, and it’s just kind of taken time to step back and have a clear picture, look at the outlook of the team, looking at the future of the team, how things look, and also seeing kind of where I’m at and how I’m feeling.”

Horford also shared that he enjoyed his first season with Golden State despite the injuries that limited him. He still loved putting in the work every day, and it helped that he was surrounded by like-minded vets like Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green.

Golden State Warriors Also Interested in Bringing Back Kristaps Porzingis

Al Horford isn’t the only veteran big man the Warriors are interested in bringing back next season. Kristaps Porzingis was acquired from the Atlanta Hawks in exchange for Jonathan Kuminga and Buddy Hield at the trade deadline.

Porzingis played in just 15 regular-season games, averaging 16.1 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.3 assists and 1.1 blocks. He continued to endure a respiratory illness that has been hounding him over the past two seasons.