Celtics Rumors: Hopes Of Re-Signing Al Horford Dealt Brutal Blow

The Boston Celtics entered free agency hoping to re-sign both Luke Kornet and Al Horford. Unfortunately, on the first day of free agency, Kornet signed a four-year, $41 million contract with the San Antonio Spurs, and it doesn’t seem all that likely the Celtics will be re-signing Horford.

Boston entered the offseason well over the second apron of the NBA’s new salary cap, but they managed to sneak below it after trading away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. After signing Luka Garza and Josh Minott in free agency, though, they have crept back over the second apron.

It was always going to be difficult to retain both Kornet and Horford, especially if neither of them was willing to take a hometown discount. Kornet received an offer too good to turn down from the Spurs, and it looks like Horford wants to play for a contender before potentially retiring.

The Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers have been heavily linked to Horford, and they are seen as serious threats to lure him away from Boston. According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, it sounds like if Horford is going to continue playing in the NBA, it will be with one of those teams instead of the Celtics.

“He has lots of different options, including retirement,” Windhorst said on ESPN’s “NBA Today.” “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.”

After trading away Kristaps Porzingis and losing Kornet in free agency, Horford’s potential departure would be a massive blow for Boston. While they have several big men at their disposal, none of them appear to be starting-caliber options currently.

Even in his age-38 season, Horford remained a critical part of the Celtics’ operation last season. In 60 games, he averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field.

Horford’s two-way abilities and three-point shooting prowess (36.3% on threes last season) have made him a sought-after option in free agency. And while the C’s would undoubtedly love for him to return, it looks more likely than not that he will be departing in the near future.