Horford Will Sit In Oklahoma City

For the remainder of the season, Al Horford will sit out games for the Oklahoma City Thunder as the team moves towards using younger players, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. Horford came to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers on a draft night trade. Wojnarowski reports that Horford will continue to train at the team’s practice facility and provide a veteran presence.

Horford, 34, plans to remain with his Oklahoma City teammates and train at the team facility, but he won’t play in the final 28 games for the Thunder, sources said.

Since arriving from Philadelphia in a draft night trade, Horford has been considered a significant presence and influence on the Thunder’s young, rebuilding roster, and the organization was eager for Horford to remain among them as the two sides worked through this decision, sources said.

After the season, Horford will have two years and $53 million left on his contract. Thunder general manager Sam Presti has pledged to work with Horford and his agent, Jason Glushon, on finding the center a trade to a team that fits better with this late stage of his career.

Where Horford ends up next is anyone’s guess, but he could be valuable to a number of teams in the league.