Led by new owner Bill Chisholm, the Boston Celtics have several contract decisions to make on upcoming free agents this offseason. Two of these players, Al Horford and Luke Kornet, have uncertain futures in Boston, and their potential departures could have a significant impact on the team’s chemistry and depth moving forward.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, numerous title contenders are keeping tabs on the 39-year-old Horford to see if he would consider leaving the Celtics. Horford signed as a free agent before the 2016 season and has been a key veteran voice for the team’s superstars, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. During his two stints with the team, Horford has been known for his leadership and steadiness as much as his performance on the court, where he’s averaged 11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.1 blocks per game.
Despite his age, Horford remains one of the best shooting big men in the league as well as a great defender. If the Celtics were to lose him, they would not only be losing a key rotation piece but one of their leaders.
Scotto also reported that Luke Kornet, who enjoyed a career-best season, will have a strong free-agent market. The 7-foot-2 center carved out a significant role off the bench by bringing rim protection, the “Kornet contest” on perimeter shooters, and excelling in the pick-and-roll. According to Scotto, Kornet will likely command interested teams’ non-taxpayer mid-level exception, which is worth 9.12% of the salary cap. Because the Celtics are above the second-apron of the salary cap, they are unable to use that exception, which limits their ability to match other teams’ best offers.
Both Kornet and Horford were vital to the Celtics during their championship run last season. Their consistency, hustle, and team-first mentality were essential to the team’s playoff success, and their absence would undoubtedly be felt in the locker room and on the court.