Boston Celtics: 2 ways Cs must consider using Al Horford

Way for Boston Celtics to use Al Horford No. 2) Cut ties and wave him

While we can all be excited from an emotional standpoint about the idea of Al Horford making his way back to the Boston Celtics, we mustn’t lose sight of the reality of the situation: the man is 35-years-old and will be paid an average of $26.75 million over the next two years.

Yes, this deal certainly helps deflate the C’s outrageous salary cap situation, as swapping Kemba for Horford has now saved the team about $20 million.

However, while this is a nice number to see, their financial savings could be increased even more heading into this summer alone should they opt to cut ties altogether with the former All-Star and waive him.

Now, while Horford’s 2021-22 pay is fully guaranteed, his fourth and final year salary of $26.5 million is guaranteed just $14.5 million.

If waived, Boston would then increase their financial savings to a stellar $32 million which, in turn, would allow them to be far more active during this year’s free agency period and put them more in the running for talents such as, say, Lonzo Ball, to help fill their now high-in-demand starting point guard position.

With this move, it would allow the front office to attain more financial flexibility, where they could then go on to hopefully use it and bring on players who better fit in with this team’s long-term trajectory.