The Boston Celtics would love to re-sign Al Horford. Unfortunately, that may not be in the cards. After consecutive campaigns over the second apron, the organization is dealing with minimal flexibility.
The franchise has had to say goodbye to Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Luke Kornet. However, the Celtics have more work to do. That's especially true if they're determined to get under the luxury tax.
They're nearly $20 million over that line after agreeing to deals with Luka Garza and Josh Minott, per capsheets.com. If Boston dodges the luxury tax this season and next, it will reset the repeater tax.
As the 18-time NBA champions build toward a brighter future, they're also preparing for a season that one would think does not include Jayson Tatum. As the six-time All-Star rehabs from an Achilles tear, the Celtics appear in line for a gap year.
That might send Al Horford elsewhere.
Al Horford does not appear bound for the Lakers
In a radio appearance on ESPN LA, Dave McMenamin, an NBA reporter for the Worldwide Leader, addressed the Los Angeles Lakers' effort to upgrade at the center position.
While doing so, he said of the prospect of the former Florida Gator joining the purple and gold: "I don't think that's going to happen with Horford."
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype recently reported the market for the 18-year veteran consists of the Celtics, Lakers, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
After the first round of the NBA Draft, Brad Stevens declared that retaining Horford and Kornet was of chief importance.
"There's no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back," said Boston's president of basketball operations. "Those guys are huge parts of this organization. They're going to have, I'm sure, plenty of options all over the place, and that's well deserved, but I think that would be a priority. At the same time, I don't want to put pressure on them. It's their call ultimately, but yeah, we would love to have those guys back."
However, Kornet is signing with the San Antonio Spurs. Horford could soon be on his way out the door as well due to the franchise's circumstances.
As for the other teams reportedly in the mix for Horford, Denver dealt for Jonas Valanciunas; New York has an agreement in place with Guerschon Yabusele, and Cleveland is reportedly signing Larry Nance Jr. That leaves Golden State.
Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks per game last season. He also made 36.3 percent of the 5.2 threes he launched. He could pair well with Draymond Green, mesh with Stephen Curry, and help the Warriors return to championship contention. Granted, the Western Conference figures to be a gauntlet.
The prospect of what Horford, 39, could accomplish in the Bay Area may prove too compelling for him to commit this summer to ending his career in Boston.