Al Horford’s Celtics Return ‘Unlikely,’ Says Brad Stevens

The Boston Celtics are a brand new staff this offseason, and it may not embody certainly one of their most esteemed veterans. General supervisor Brad Stevens disclosed this week that it is “unlikely” Al Horford will play for the Celtics in 2025–26, because the franchise explores roster modifications and wage cap penalties tied to the NBA’s second apron tax.

The staff initially wished to retain Al and Luke Kornet, however that will not occur anymore. The latter lately signed with the San Antonio Spurs whereas the Dominican middle is free to play with different groups.

Celtics Face Cap Pressure After Title Run

The Celtics’ latest commerce exercise, particularly, the Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porziņģis trades resulted from the austere spending limits that include the NBA’s second luxurious tax apron. Stevens was sincere about his motivations, in response to Bleacher Report.

“The second apron is why those trades happened. I think that those are pretty obvious. And the basketball penalties associated with those are real.”

With this transfer, the Green City can keep away from greater than $180 million in tax-related expenses, in response to ESPN’s Bobby Marks.

When the Celtics traded Holiday to Portland for Anfernee Simons and two second-round picks, they saved $40 million.

Porziņģis was dealt to Atlanta as a part of a three-team commerce that saved one other $140 million underneath the second apron stage by dropping Boston under it.

Horford’s Free Agency Adventure

Now that Horford’s $19.5 million contract expired, the seven-year Celtic veteran can now use his expertise elsewhere. Stevens praised Big Al as a winner, and he did every part he may for the group.

Horford has already been rumored with title contenders such because the Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, and Los Angeles Lakers, who’re all in search of veteran presence and playoff expertise within the frontcourt.

Now that the Lakers signed Deandre and the Nuggets had Jonas Valanciunas, that leaves GSW obtainable to welcome the 6-foot-9 participant to the staff. Athlon Sports stories that the Jonathan Kuminga commerce will dictate if it occurs.

Aside from Al, the Warriors are additionally lately linked to Damian Lillard and Bradley Beal.