One of the biggest subplots still remaining in NBA free agency is the future of Al Horford. The Celtics big man is receiving interest from Boston and a host of other suitors but multiple reports have indicated doubt that he will re-sign with Boston following the team losing Kristaps Porzingis and Jrue Holiday to trade and Luke Kornet during free agency. With Jayson Tatum also sidelined with a torn Achilles next season, Horford seems likely on continuing his career with a contender if he decides to keep playing.
So what are the possibilities that Horford is still considering as of Thursday? ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported on NBA Today Wednesday that the Warriors, Lakers and retiring are all still options for the big man. However, that report came before DeAndre Ayton agreed to sign a two-year deal with the Lakers.
What can Horford’s suitors offer him and are there any potential wildcard options out there? Let’s examine the potential landing spots for the big man.
Warriors: This has been the team Horford has been connected with the most since free agency opened up Monday night. The Athletic’s Anthony Slater reported Wednesday night the team is still awaiting Horford’s decision and they have been operating like Horford is their top option to fill a void at center. The team allowed veteran center Kevon Looney to go early in free agency to the New Orleans Pelicans on a two-year deal. That leaves only young bigs on the roster right now. Depending on what happens with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors could have up to their full non taxpayer mid-level ($14.1 million) to use in a Horford offer. For now, the guess is they will try to stick to a taxpayer mid-level or bi-annual deal ($5 million plus/year) to create some additional roster flexibility elsewhere.
Lakers: On the surface, Ayton signing could take them out of the running since he takes their starting center role (if that’s something Horford would have been aiming for). The Lakers do still have a need for another stretch big (unless. They are sold on Maxi Kleber) and also still technically have the $5.1 bi-annual to offer Horford. Would still consider the Warriors a heavy frontrunner over them.
Retirement: This would come as a surprise given Horford’s previous statements but would be somewhat understandable. Uprooting the family for one year after being in Boston since 2021 would not be easy and while there’s no doubt Horford would compete in Golden State, that team is probably not in the top-3 of West contenders at this point. If none of his options give him a realistic chance at a ring, maybe he hangs it up.
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