Despite the unlikelihood of being contenders next season, many Boston Celtics fans want the team to bring back Al Horford.
From a personal fan perspective, it's tough to blame anybody in Boston. Horford has done an excellent job being a part of the community and has done everything he can on the court.
However, unfortunately, this is a business at the end of the day, and Horford might decide that it's better if he walks away from the Celtics again. It didn't go as planned for him the first time, but he's in a much different stage of his career now, and will likely only play another NBA season, if that.
However, according to the Boston Globe, it's still possible that Horford will return to the Celtics on a discount contract or retire.
“There are several teams interested in the 39-year-old big man, including the Celtics, but it’s likely the Boston fan favorite will head elsewhere. Horford has to determine whether the West Coast is an option to conclude his career. Horford is comfortable in Boston. His family resides here and it could be a difficult decision to uproot and head to Golden State for perhaps one season. With the Lakers signing Jaxson Hayes to a one-year contract to backup Deandre Ayton, there is little chance for Horford to head to the Celtics’ rivals. Golden State is the favorite here, but Horford could return to Boston on a discount contract or even retire,” they wrote.
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Whatever Horford decides to do, even if it's to retire or join a different team, all Celtics fans will have plenty of love for him.
He's put together a great career for himself and Boston has been a big piece in that.