New York Knicks have clear stance on Celtics’ Al Horford, ‘close relationship’ with one star is key

Boston Celtics’ Al Horford is expected to command interest from several NBA teams.

The Boston Celtics have already traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis as they are now projected to dodge the dreaded second apron for the 2025-26 NBA season.

However, they still have to make a decision on Al Horford as the 39-year-old is an unrestricted free agent this summer.

He may be old, but he’s still talented, as evident from Bill Simmons’ worry about Horford signing with LA Lakers. Putting that aside, what about Horford’s chances of joining the New York Knicks? There’s a possibility.

So far, the Knicks have made headlines for their disastrous head coaching search after firing Tom Thibodeau.

While that’s still going on, NBA insider Ian Begley brought some fresh intel on the Horford to Knicks rumors.

“I think the Knicks will also at least check in on Horford’s situation in Boston. The Celtics shed salary by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and they certainly want Horford back, but are limited in what they can offer the veteran big man,” Begley wrote for SNY.

But that’s not all, as Begley pointed out that Horford has a close friendship with Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns.

“Just as an aside: Horford has a close relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns,” Begley added in his report.

Getting Horford would be excellent for the Knicks as they would get a championship-winning veteran in a leadership role in the locker room. Horford’s close relationship with KAT is an added bonus.

With or without Horford, the Knicks still have a good roster as they went to the 2025 Eastern Conference Finals. They also added rookie Mohamed Diawara to the team, so that’s an ongoing project.

However, the major concern for the organization ahead of next season is finding a replacement for coach Thibodeau.

Begley offered an update on the current situation, stating: “I’d be lying if I said I knew where things stood entering the weekend, but I know [Mike] Brown has made a good impression during the interview process and garnered support.”

Aside from Mike Brown, the Knicks have conducted interviews with Micah Nori, Taylor Jenkins, and James Borrego. But as things stand right now, Brown seems to be the favorite.