The Boston Celtics are facing a historic payroll heading into the offseason. They will try to shed salary, likely Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porziņģis to get under the dreaded second apron. Big men Al Horford and Luke Kornet are also free agents. It’s unclear if Boston will be able to afford both of them. Horford seems primed to play his 19th season and can still contribute at a high level. He averaged 9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists this past season. Horford’s floor spacing and high basketball IQ make him an impactful player on both ends of the floor. The veteran big man is beloved by fans and teammates alike. Nevertheless, it’s not guaranteed that Horford will take a discount to play for the Celtics.
Beloved Celtics Big Man’s Future With the Team is Unclear
On a recent episode of The Hoop Collective podcast, ESPN analyst Tim Bontemps speculated about Horford’s free agency decision.
“Al Horford is a free agent. I don’t think at this point it makes a lot of sense for Horford to be back in Boston. Maybe he will be, but given where things are with the Celtics, I think he’s now much more in play than he might have been a month ago…Horford is a longtime friend of Karl-Anthony Towns and has played with him with the Dominican National team for a long time.”
While Bontemps’ comments aren’t an official report, they certainly offer an interesting perspective. The Celtics’ financial situation means they likely won’t be able to pay Horford more than $7 million. With Jayson Tatum‘s injury, the Celtics aren’t title contenders next season. Tatum’s injury certainly makes it more possible that Horford finds a new team or even retires. It might not be the best move for the 39-year-old big man to return to Boston while taking a pay cut in what could be his final season. Nonetheless, it’s diffcult to imagine Horford going to the New York Knicks since they just beat the Celtics despite the clear basketball fit.
If Horford leaves the Celtics, he’ll likely seek a team built to win that can also offer him a sizable role. There are no official reports that confirm specific teams with interest in Horford. However, the Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Clippers would be some logical fits that don’t conflict with his Celtics history. Horford’s uncertain future increases the need for the Celtics to draft another center.
Returning to the Celtics Could Make Sense
Regardless of the speculation from Bontemps and other media members, a Horford return is still a strong possibility. During his seven years (two tenures) with Boston, Horford has been a fan favorite. He clearly loves playing with the Celtics, and that could keep him in Boston for his final year or two. Horford has already made a ton of money and has won an NBA championship, meaning the motivation to sign elsewhere might not be there. For the end of his career, it would make sense for Horford to continue playing for a franchise that he is comfortable with and appreciates him.
While initial indications were that Horford was 100% set to play at least another year, he left the door open for a possible retirement during his exit interview. Perhaps a retirement is a better option for Horford as opposed to finding a new team. Still, it seems more likely, given his previous comments, that he’ll play at least another season. Ultimately, Horford’s history and success with the Celtics give him a strong chance to return next season.
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