The Boston Celtics are revamping their roster, and a key veteran could be the next player on the move.
In a matter of days, the Boston Celtics have gone from a championship contender to barely a playoff team in the Eastern Conference.
General manager Brad Stevens has blown up the core of the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship team. First, Jrue Holiday was traded to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks.
Following that, Stevens also parted ways with Kristaps Porzingis in a three-team trade with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Nets. NBA analyst Bill Simmons is worried that the next player who could leave is none other than Al Horford.
Horford has spent seven seasons in Boston over two stints. He also played a key role in the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship.
The 39-year-old has become an unrestricted free agent this summer, and Simmons is losing sleep over the prospect of Horford potentially joining the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I do, I think he finishes his career in Boston. He’s made $300 million. Deep down, I am a little worried. The team I’m worried about is the Lakers.
“That’s an obvious Al Horford fit where they could just grab him,” Simmons said on his podcast.
Despite that worry, Simmons still reminded fans of Horford’s achievements in a Celtics jersey.
“There are some other ones, I don’t know, he won a title in Boston, he’s beloved in Boston, and he doesn’t have to chase a ring, he won a ring,” he added.
Being one of the oldest players to enter NBA Free Agency, it’s obvious that Horford won’t demand a huge salary to sign with a team.
After all, as Simmons stated, he has already made nearly $300 million in his NBA career. Moreover, with the Celtics getting under the second apron of the luxury tax, the organization could easily offer a veteran’s minimum deal to Horford.
Unless the 39-year-old still wants to win another ring in his NBA career, signing the deal should be a no-brainer for him, especially since the Celtics players want Horford to return this offseason.
The 5x NBA All-Star averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game last season. So, even if Simmons suggested a move to the Lakers, the Purple and Gold wouldn’t benefit much from an aging backup center.
