Brad Stevens admits it’s ‘unlikely’ Al Horford returns to Celtics originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston
Al Horford remains unsigned on the NBA free agent market, and even though the Boston Celtics would love to have him back, it doesn’t sound like that’s a realistic scenario.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was pretty candid at a press conference Tuesday when asked about Horford.
“We made offers to both Luke (Kornet) and Al. We would’ve loved to have had both of them back. I’d say that’s unlikely,” Stevens told reporters.
“The only reason I haven’t talked about Al is, I could talk about Al my whole press conference and not say enough. But I don’t want to speak in absolute terms until an ultimate decision is made. If he were to go and play somewhere else, I think he’s an all-time Celtic, a winner, and did everything he could for this organization, not only in the games but also how he impacted our younger players.”
Horford has spent the last four seasons with the Celtics (seven in total across two stints in Boston), and he played a crucial role in the C’s being a title contender throughout that period, including a championship in 2024.
His ability to shoot 3-pointers, defend at a high level and provide veteran leadership, among several other qualities, was very valuable to the Celtics’ ascension.
The Celtics are limited in what they can offer Horford — or any other free agent — as a team over luxury tax. Horford is able to make more money with other teams. The C’s are also unlikely to be title contenders next season with Jayson Tatum recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported Monday, citing a league source, that Horford is “taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams” and that “the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too.”
The Golden State Warriors reportedly have interest in signing Horford after they lost veteran center Kevon Looney earlier in free agency.
If Horford doesn’t return, the Celtics will have lost three centers — Horford, Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis — from last season’s roster.
Watch Stevens’ entire press conference below:
Brad Stevens admits it’s ‘unlikely’ Al Horford returns to Celtics
Horford is an unrestricted free agent at 39 years old.
Al Horford remains unsigned on the NBA free agent market, and even though the Boston Celtics would love to have him back, it doesn’t sound like that’s a realistic scenario.
Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens was pretty candid at a press conference Tuesday when asked about Horford.
“We made offers to both Luke (Kornet) and Al. We would’ve loved to have had both of them back. I’d say that’s unlikely,” Stevens told reporters.
SIGN UP HERE “The only reason I haven’t talked about Al is, I could talk about Al my whole press conference and not say enough. But I don’t want to speak in absolute terms until an ultimate decision is made. If he were to go and play somewhere else, I think he’s an all-time Celtic, a winner, and did everything he could for this organization, not only in the games but also how he impacted our younger players.”
More Celtics coverage
Horford has spent the last four seasons with the Celtics (seven in total across two stints in Boston), and he played a crucial role in the C’s being a title contender throughout that period, including a championship in 2024.
His ability to shoot 3-pointers, defend at a high level and provide veteran leadership, among several other qualities, was very valuable to the Celtics’ ascension.
The Celtics are limited in what they can offer Horford — or any other free agent — as a team over luxury tax. Horford is able to make more money with other teams. The C’s are also unlikely to be title contenders next season with Jayson Tatum recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach reported Monday, citing a league source, that Horford is “taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams” and that “the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too.”
The Golden State Warriors reportedly have interest in signing Horford after they lost veteran center Kevon Looney earlier in free agency.
If Horford doesn’t return, the Celtics will have lost three centers — Horford, Kornet, and Kristaps Porzingis — from last season’s roster.
Watch Stevens’ entire press conference below:
