It is the worst-kept secret in the NBA that the Boston Celtics will have to make significant offseason trades to shed some salary and retool during Jayson Tatum's injury. Celtics fans are anxiously waiting to see which players will leave Boston and who will be joining the team. While plenty of attention has been given to the potential departures of Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, a new rumor surrounding a Celtics fan favorite will throw a wrench in the team's plans.
On ESPN's The Hoop Collective podcast, senior NBA writer Tim Bontemps [threw out a new rumor](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O0pe4YsI8qY) about Al Horford. Bontemps said that he doesn't think Horford will remain in Boston and is a candidate to join the New York Knicks.
> "Al Horford is a free agent. I don’t think at this point it makes a lot of sense for Horford to be back in Boston. Horford is a longtime friend of Towns and has played with him with the Dominican National team for a long time."
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> Tim Bontemps, ESPN
This is the first time Celtics fans are hearing about the possibility of Horford leaving this summer. It has been reported that the veteran big man will return for his 19th season, but almost everyone had assumed that he would return to Boston. The soon-to-be 39-year-old has been an integral part of the Celtics' successes, both on and off the court.
Losing a key member of the franchise to your bitter rival and a fellow Eastern Conference contender would certainly hurt. Horford's defensive versatility and rim protection, combined with his shooting and passing on the other end of the floor, make him a unique fit in Boston. Replacing that skill set in free agency or the trade market when the Celtics have limited resources will be close to impossible.
Horford will almost certainly [have to take a pay cut](https://chowderandchampions.com/celtics-fan-favorite-has-to-take-a-pay-cut-to-stay-in-boston-01jwh3t3kw4v) to stay in Boston. The Celtics simply can't pay him his market value due to their financial situation. So, even though his decision to leave would be understandable, it will still be painful to watch him wear a different jersey, especially a Knicks one.
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