The first week of July is barely in the rearview, and it hasn't taken long for the NBA offseason to bring changes across the Boston Celtics' roster. Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis have been traded, while Anfernee Simons and Georges Niang were brought to Boston in those trades, and that's without mentioning how the Celtics also signed free agents Luka Garza and Josh Minott.
Although it's been a busy start to the offseason, not everyone has been having a summer as productive as the Celtics are. A handful of former Boston players have yet to find new destinations to call home, including one of the franchise's recent locker room leaders.
Former Celtics C/PF Al Horford is Still Unemployed After 1st Week of Free Agency
Al Horford is one Celtic who became an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Despite the buzz and rumors surrounding the 39-year-old veteran since the market opened, Horford remains unsigned heading into the second week of July.
Horford was one of the Celtics' most frequent contributors last season, starting in 42 of his 60 appearances in Year 18. The former Florida Gator's performance took a step back, though, as he only averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 42.3% from the floor and 36.3% from the three-point line.
Horford's shooting efficiency climbed to a 47.2 FG% and 40.0 3P% in the playoffs; however, it was too little, too late at that point. Horford's best days being behind him meant he barely moved the needle in the Celtics' second-round loss to the New York Knicks, indicating that he's more suited to be a supporting cast member rather than a focal point going forward.
Since NBA free agency began, Horford has been linked to contending teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and Denver Nuggets. Where he will sign remains to be seen, but the rumored teams hint that the ex-Celtics leader likely wants to sign with a contender, where he'll face less pressure to perform with other stars doing the work.
Regardless of his next team, Horford's time with the Celtics is all but certainly over now. The five-time All-Star played 584 regular-season and playoff games between his two Boston tenures, highlighted by seven playoff runs and two trips to the NBA Finals, which include when he helped the C's win it all in 2024.
Hopefully, Horford's next team treats him right. He's an easy-to-cheer-for veteran whose on-court experience will help elevate most lineups. Wherever he ends up, Celtics fans will wish him nothing but the best of luck.