NBA News Roundup: Al Horford’s Exit from Celtics All But Confirmed Amid Offseason Reshuffle…read more…
Veteran big man Al Horford’s time with the Boston Celtics appears to be coming to an end, as multiple reports and insider chatter suggest the 38-year-old is unlikely to return to the team for the 2025–26 NBA season. While no official announcement has been made, signs increasingly point toward a mutual parting of ways, signaling the close of a significant chapter in both Horford’s career and Celtics franchise history.
Horford, who has spent parts of five seasons in Boston across two stints, remains one of the most respected voices in the locker room and a cornerstone of the Celtics’ recent championship contention. However, with the team looking to get younger and shift its focus toward long-term sustainability, the writing appears to be on the wall for the aging center.
Transition Looming as Celtics Eye Youth Movement
The Celtics’ front office, led by President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens, has prioritized roster flexibility this offseason. The team’s recent draft selections and summer league strategies indicate a clear push to inject youthful energy into the rotation. Horford, despite his veteran presence and high basketball IQ, faces a diminished role if he were to return.
Boston’s decision to re-sign forward Xavier Tillman and invest in developing younger bigs like Neemias Queta and 2024 first-rounder Kyle Filipowski suggests they are prepared to move on. The Celtics also exercised team options on forward Sam Hauser and guard Payton Pritchard, reinforcing a focus on continuity among their younger core rather than retaining aging veterans.
While Horford remains under contract for one more year at $10 million, sources close to the situation believe the Celtics may explore a buyout or attempt to trade him to a contender seeking playoff experience and frontcourt depth.
Horford’s Legacy in Boston
Al Horford first joined the Celtics in 2016 as a marquee free-agent signing after spending nine seasons with the Atlanta Hawks. His decision to come to Boston signaled the franchise’s reemergence as a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. Horford played a key role in helping the team reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017, 2018, 2020, and 2022, and finally the NBA Finals in 2022.
He briefly left Boston in 2019 for stints with the Philadelphia 76ers and Oklahoma City Thunder before returning in 2021. His comeback marked a resurgence in both his performance and leadership role, particularly during the Celtics’ 2022 Finals run. Horford’s defensive versatility, floor spacing, and professionalism were instrumental in keeping the team competitive.
In total, Horford has played in 445 regular-season games for the Celtics, averaging 12.0 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game during his time in green. His impact, however, goes beyond numbers—he’s widely praised for his mentorship of younger players like Jayson Tatum, Jaylen Brown, and Robert Williams III.
Retirement or One Last Run?
With his future in Boston appearing uncertain, the bigger question now becomes whether Horford will retire or attempt one final season elsewhere. Reports indicate that Horford is not ready to make a final decision, opting instead to see how the market evolves and whether any contending teams come calling.
There is already speculation about potential landing spots should Horford choose to continue his career. Teams like the Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, and Golden State Warriors could be appealing destinations, given their veteran-heavy rosters and championship aspirations.
Yet, Horford has hinted in the past that he would consider retirement when his ability to contribute meaningfully began to wane. While he managed to play 76 games in the 2024–25 season, his averages dipped to 6.8 points and 5.4 rebounds per game—career lows for the Dominican-born forward.
If this is indeed the end, Horford’s NBA résumé is nothing short of stellar: five-time All-Star, three-time All-Defensive selection, and a consummate teammate over 17 professional seasons. While he never captured a championship ring, his contributions to winning basketball have long been acknowledged around the league.
Celtics’ Frontcourt Outlook Without Horford
Should the Celtics officially move on from Horford, they will need to rely heavily on Kristaps Porziņģis and Tillman to anchor the frontcourt. Porziņģis, coming off a strong but injury-shortened season, will be expected to shoulder more responsibility both offensively and defensively. Robert Williams III, though talented, has been plagued by injuries and will be a key variable in the team’s interior defense plans.
Brad Stevens and head coach Joe Mazzulla may also look to explore the free-agent or trade markets for a veteran big man who can play limited minutes while providing leadership and rebounding.
In the long run, Filipowski could become a key piece, but it’s unlikely the team would thrust the Duke product into heavy minutes right away. This all underscores the significance of Horford’s likely exit—not just as a statistical contributor, but as a guiding force both on the court and in the locker room.
Fans and Players React
News of Horford’s likely departure has stirred emotional reactions across social media. Celtics fans flooded platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Reddit to share appreciation for Horford’s professionalism and calm leadership, calling him the “ultimate Celtic” and “the adult in the room.”
Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have not yet commented publicly, but both stars have in the past credited Horford for playing a major role in their development and for being the glue during challenging seasons. Horford was often seen mentoring younger players during practices, games, and off-the-court sessions, reinforcing his impact beyond the stat sheet.
Final Thoughts
While nothing is finalized, the tea leaves suggest that Al Horford’s time in Boston is nearing its conclusion. Whether he chooses retirement or joins another contender, Horford leaves a lasting legacy in Boston—one defined by grace, grit, and leadership.
The Celtics, meanwhile, move into a new era, powered by their young stars and reshaped by the hard but necessary decisions of the NBA offseason. Horford’s absence will be felt, but his example w
ill continue to guide the team for years to come.
