Two of the NBA’s most respected veterans are preparing to reach a rare historical milestone that places them among the league’s most enduring players. Mike Conley and Al Horford are set to become only the 13th and 14th players in league history to compete in 20 NBA seasons, a feat that highlights both longevity and sustained value in a constantly evolving league.
Beyond the milestone itself, the pair also stand out for another remarkable achievement: combined career earnings approaching $600 million, placing them among the highest-paid athletes in NBA history.
A Rare NBA Milestone Built on Longevity and Consistency
The 2007 NBA Draft class produced two players whose careers have followed strikingly similar arcs. Conley and Horford entered the league just one pick apart after facing each other in the NCAA championship game, where Horford’s Florida Gators defeated Conley’s Ohio State Buckeyes.
Nearly two decades later, both players continue to contribute meaningfully in the league, even as their roles have evolved. Their longevity places them alongside some of the sport’s all-time greats, including Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Dirk Nowitzki, while LeBron James continues to extend the record for most seasons played.
Conley’s career is defined by consistency, leadership, and durability. Spending the majority of his prime with the Memphis Grizzlies, he later transitioned through successful stints with the Utah Jazz and Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Boston Celtics.
At one point, Conley held the richest contract in NBA history when he re-signed with Memphis in 2016 on a five-year, $153 million deal. As salaries across the league surged, that figure became a benchmark of the evolving financial landscape in professional basketball.
Over his career, Conley has earned close to $300 million in salary alone. Notably, he has also built a reputation for composure on the court, having never recorded a technical foul across more than 1,200 regular-season games and over 80 playoff appearances — a rare distinction in modern NBA competition.
Al Horford’s Championship Journey and $300M Career Path
Horford’s path has been equally impressive, marked by versatility and adaptability across multiple franchises. A five-time All-Star, he played key roles for the Atlanta Hawks before joining the Boston Celtics, where he eventually captured his first NBA championship in 2024.
His career also included brief stops with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder before returning to Boston for a second stint. Most recently, Horford signed with the Golden State Warriors, extending his career into its 20th season.
With his latest contract factored in, Horford’s total earnings are projected to exceed $300 million, solidifying his place among the most financially successful big men in league history.
The 2007 Draft Class Still Making History
The longevity of Conley and Horford also highlights the enduring impact of the 2007 draft class. Alongside active players like Kevin Durant and Jeff Green, they represent one of the most durable groups in modern NBA history.
Together, Conley and Horford have earned more than $592 million, placing both inside the top 30 all-time NBA earners. Horford currently ranks 29th, while Conley sits just behind at 30th — a testament to sustained excellence and long-term value in a league defined by constant change.
Their careers underscore a simple but powerful truth: consistency, adaptability, and professionalism can be just as rewarding as superstardom in shaping a lasting NBA legacy.
