As the reigning NBA champions, the Boston Celtics entered their second round matchup against the New York Knicks as heavy favorites. Boston fell behind in the series early by blowing back-to-back 20-point leads in the first two outings. On Friday, the Knicks eliminated them in Game 6 in a complete blowout that was all but over by halftime.
Now the focus turns to the offseason for the Celtics. Without making moves, Boston is scheduled to pay an obscene amount of money in luxury tax penalties. That is with Jayson Tatum likely out for most (if not all) of next season due to a torn Achilles suffered in Game 4. Let’s predict if the Celtics key free agents will stay or leave the team in the offseason.
Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Celtics Free Agents
Al Horford – Leave
Turning 39 years old on June 3, Al Horford has spent the last four seasons with Boston (also played for them from 2016-17 until 2018-19). Recently, it was reported that Horford hopes to remain with the Celtics. That was before the Tatum injury though, and while the 18-year veteran may still feel the same way, Boston likely doesn’t have the same interest in keeping the rotation together regardless of the price. That could leave Horford out of their future.
With Kristaps Porzingis frequently off the court, Horford has been a starter more often than not the last two years. In the last two postseasons, the 6-foot-9 center has started 24 of his 30 outings (including 15 starts in their 2024 championship run). In his 60 regular season outings in 2024-25, he posted averages of 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists.
If Horford doesn’t remain with the Celtics, it will be interesting to see if he heads to another team, or instead decides to retire.
Luke Kornet – Stay
After being a fringe rotation player in the past, 2024-25 saw Luke Kornet receive the most playing time of his eight-year career. He even started 16 games this season and made his first career postseason start on Friday in the Game 6 loss. That was coming off one of the best games of his career in Game 5 when he had 10 points, nine rebounds, and an eye-popping seven blocks.
The 7-foot-2 center will turn 30 years old on July 15. For a player who has been on minimum (or 10-day) deals throughout his entire career, Kornet is in line for his largest payday and perhaps a multi-year deal. Will it come with Boston? He has spent the last full three seasons with the Celtics after signing with them late in the 2021-22 season. A member of their 2023 championship team, Kornet saw a larger role after he played just 15 total minutes during the 2023 NBA Finals.
This season, Kornet had several career-best averages including in rebounds (5.3), assists (1.6), and blocks (1.0) while averaging six points.
Photo credit: © Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
The post Stay Or Go? Predicting What Happens With Celtics Free Agents appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.