OKC Thunder Sitting Al Horford For Rest of the Season

Oklahoma City Thunder forward Al Horford has been ruled out for the rest of the season after the team decided they would prefer to play their younger players. This is becoming the latest trend that's taking over the NBA, rightfully or wrongly.

Horford had this to say about the situation in OKC after the team tried to move him before the trade deadline:

When I arrived, I understood the direction of the team. We had a great individual plan in place for me, and I feel like, as a result, I've played really good basketball for the Thunder. At the same time, I know what it's like to be a young, aspiring player, and at this point in the season, I understand how important playing meaningful minutes is for their careers and their development. I also understand how important it is for the organization to give them that opportunity.

Meanwhile Thunder general manager Sam Presti, who informed Horford of the decision recently had this to say after not finding a dance partner to trade with:

We've talked with Al from the time he became a member of the Thunder this offseason about the many ways in which he would be able to help us as we entered the early stages of the necessary transition of our team. From Day 1, Al has been a consummate professional and has had a tremendous influence on the team on and off the floor with his work ethic and total commitment to his teammates.

Our conversations have been open and ongoing about how to maximize this season for him personally as well as the development of our team. Al has been nothing short of spectacular and will remain a part of the team as we build on an approach and mentality that we have taken for some time.

Horford is going to continue to work out with his Thunder teammates and support them for the rest of the season. What are your thoughts on teams not playing players like Horford and Andre Drummond before him in Cleveland? Let us know in the comments as this conversation is starting to become a 'thing' across the NBA.

Here’s what Al Horford has left on his contract with OKC:

21/22- $27M
22/23- $26.5M ($14.5M is guaranteed)

Increases to $19.5M guaranteed if his team reaches the NBA Finals in 2022.

Increases to full if team wins the NBA championship in 2022.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 27, 2021