It isn't the end of an era in New England, but the Boston Celtics are certainly going to look much different once the 2025-26 season tips off than the roster fans have grown accustomed to seeing in recent years.
With Kristaps Porzingis, Jrue Holiday, and Luke Kornet already out the door, the front office is bracing itself for news to drop concerning the departure of another veteran. During his session with the media on Tuesday, President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens admitted that he does not expect a key piece of their most recent championship roster to be back next season, despite their best efforts to offer him a reasonable contract.
Brad Stevens Hints at End of Al Horford's Time with Boston Celtics
Whether he elects to sign with another team, several contenders have been linked to the big man since free agency began, or walks away from the game for good and announces his retirement, Al Horford's story with the Celtics has all but come to an end.
Brad Stevens says that getting Al Horford back is "unlikely" at this point, but that the Celtics made both him and Luke Kornet offers
— Noa Dalzell 🏀 (@NoaDalzell) July 8, 2025
Given the financial restraints facing the franchise, Boston was going to have to hope Horford would give the team a "hometown discount" if they were to re-sign him this summer. There are plenty of reasons why Horford was likely not interested in entertaining such an idea, but the fact that the Celtics will, undoubtedly, take a step back during the 2025-26 season without Jayson Tatum in the lineup had to play into that decision.
The former Florida Gators star turned 39 years old in June and is in the final stages of his career if he even continues playing. It makes perfect sense why Horford would prefer to spend whatever time he has left in the NBA competing for championships.
At this time, the Golden State Warriors have been widely rumored as a potential destination for Horford after the franchise lost Kevon Looney to the New Orleans Pelicans during the opening days of free agency. From a basketball fit alone, Horford would make a lot of sense alongside players like Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green. The potential downside to a Horford/Warriors partnership would be that the big man would just make what is already an old roster even older.
Over his seven seasons with the Celtics, Horford averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. His veteran leadership and versatility helped Boston reach the top of the mountain in the NBA and he should be celebrated by fans in Boston for his contributions to that success.