The Boston Celtics entered the NBA free agency period confronting significant uncertainty regarding their lineup, as attention centered on the Al Horford free agency decision. After seeing Luke Kornet depart for the San Antonio Spurs and making tough calls to stay within the league’s salary cap, Boston now faces the likely loss of Horford, a pivotal veteran presence on their roster.
On the first day of free agency, the Celtics’ hopes to keep both Luke Kornet and Al Horford quickly faded. Kornet was quickly signed by the San Antonio Spurs with a four-year, $41 million offer that the veteran big man could not refuse. This, combined with the Celtics’ challenging salary cap situation, has complicated the team’s offseason strategy considerably.
Salary Cap Constraints Force Difficult Choices for Celtics
The Celtics have operated with limited flexibility throughout the offseason. Boston began well over the restrictive second apron of the NBA’s recently revised salary cap legislation. In an attempt to realign their finances, the Celtics traded away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, which initially brought them under the threshold. Yet after new signings, such as Luka Garza and Josh Minott, the franchise again surpassed the salary cap boundary, narrowing their options further.
Given these limitations, re-signing both Kornet and Horford seemed improbable, especially since neither player appeared willing to accept a reduced contract for the chance to stay in Boston. While Kornet found an attractive offer elsewhere, Horford is evidently seeking an opportunity to compete for a championship before contemplating retirement.
Warriors and Lakers Stand Out in Pursuit of Horford
The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have been strongly cited as front-runners to acquire Al Horford if he elects to continue his career. With the Celtics now facing his potential exit, both Western Conference teams have become realistic destinations, especially for a veteran hoping for one final run at a title.
“He has lots of different options, including retirement,”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
“I would expect there’s a decent chance if he continues his career, it’s out here on the west coast with either Golden State or L.A.”
—Brian Windhorst, ESPN Analyst
According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, speculation points toward a likely move to either the Warriors or Lakers if Horford stays in the league, with the Celtics’ prospects of retaining him growing ever slimmer.
Horford’s Departure Marks A Major Loss for Boston
Should Al Horford leave, it would pose a significant setback for Boston’s roster. The departure, coupled with the exit of Kristaps Porzingis and the loss of Kornet, leaves the Celtics with few proven options in their frontcourt. While there remain several big men on the team, none currently demonstrate the experience or reliability of Horford for a starting role.
Throughout his 38th year, Horford remained vital for the Celtics, contributing in 60 games last season and averaging nine points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per contest. His efficiency, with 42.3% overall shooting and 36.3% accuracy from beyond the arc, kept him prominent in team plans and drew attention across the league during free agency.
Horford’s value encompasses both defensive prowess and offensive spacing, making him a desirable asset for contenders like the Warriors and Lakers. While the Celtics would prefer his return, the reality signals his departure may be imminent.
Implications for the Celtics and Al Horford’s Legacy
If Al Horford finalizes a move to the West Coast or chooses retirement, the Boston Celtics will be left to regroup and seek solutions in their frontcourt rotation. Horford’s decision is poised to reshape both his own legacy and the outlook for the Celtics in the upcoming NBA season, as the franchise must adapt to life without their veteran leader. The outcome of the Al Horford free agency decision will resonate not only for Boston, but across the NBA landscape, as teams like the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers look to bolster their championship aspirations with an experienced addition.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Al Horford a 5 star recruit?
A. Rivals.com ranked Horford as a four-star recruit in 2004. That year, he was seen as the seventh-best power forward in the country. Overall, he was placed at number 36 among all basketball players nationwide.