It’s an offseason of change for the Boston Celtics. Since bowing out in the Eastern Conference Semifinals to the New York Knicks in six games, the Celtics have already traded away Jrue Holiday, and Kristaps Porzingis. While the team has been fielding calls on its other key players, one player who is currently a free agent might not be returning to Boston next season.
Al Horford is currently a free agent. The 39-year-old has spent seven seasons with Boston in two separate stints. He has averaged 11.2 points and 6.8 rebounds per game in his career with the Celtics, and was instrumental in the team’s championship run in 2024, and their trip to the NBA Finals in 2022.
An integral part of the Celtics for so long, Horford might not be returning to Boston after this season. Bleacher Report’s Grant Hughes expects the Celtics to move on from its fan favorite.
“If the Celtics were considering dealing players as good as Jaylen Brown and Derrick White because they’re worried about a $500 million combined salary-and-tax payment, there’s no way they’ll spend additional money to bring back a 39-year-old reserve,” Hughes wrote.
“That’s not to say Horford is without his uses. Last year, he again provided uncommonly versatile defense, three-point shooting and veteran savvy in the frontcourt. In fact, his continued age-defying production is part of the reason he won’t be back in Boston. Several contenders will come calling, and at least one is likely to offer much more than the Celtics are willing to pay,” he added.
Despite his age, Horford remains a productive player, this past season he averaged 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds per game, splitting time off the bench, and in the starting lineup. With the Celtics making it clear that they wish to go a different direction — especially with Jayson Tatum’s status for next season very much in question as he recovers from a torn achilles suffered in the playoffs — it would be surprised to see Horford return for an 8th season in Boston unless they are able to secure him for a cheap cost.