An unexpected point in the Boston Celtics’ chaotic offseason came on Tuesday morning, when it was announced that Al Horford would not opt into the final year of his contract and hit free agency. The assumption was that Horford would work out a new deal with the Celtics that traded annual salary for more years going forward.
While he does plan on working out a longterm deal, it appears that his future is not in Boston. Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald dropped a bombshell on Tuesday night when he reported that Horford plans on signing a four-year deal with a team that is not the Celtics.
Major change in the Al Horford situation:
Per source close to Horford, his side is no longer discussing a new 3-year deal to stay with the Celtics. He is expected to sign a 4-year free agent contract elsewhere…
Story to come.— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 18, 2019
The report was eventually confirmed by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, who says the two sides can’t close the sizable gap they’re facing in negotiations.
Boston and Al Horford had discussed contract scenarios, but the gulf is too great for sides to believe they can close on a new deal now, league sources tell ESPN. Horford is prepared to enter the free agency to find a three or four year deal elsewhere.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2019
This is obviously gigantic news for the Celtics, as rumors in recent days have indicated that Kyrie Irving will leave the team, potentially to head to the Brooklyn Nets. In fact, Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports reports that Boston is prepared for both of their stars to leave in free agency this summer, with the Nets as the likely landing spot for Irving.
The Boston Celtics are preparing for strong scenario that All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will leave as free agents, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2019
Irving has been communicative and forthright with top Celtics officials since the season ended, with private and public signals that he will leave the organization in free agency — likely for the Brooklyn Nets, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. https://t.co/EupfcYxhsg
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2019
It’s a stunning turn of events for Boston, as Irving announced his intention to re-sign before the season and Horford leaving the team comes out of left field. There’s still plenty of talent on the team’s roster, but it certainly seems like the Celtics will look drastically different when the 2019-20 season tips off.
