If Jayson Tatum were entering next season healthy, Al Horford would probably be rejoining a reconfigured title contender. Instead, the Boston Celtics don't meet that description. It's why the franchise and fan base could soon have to say goodbye to the 18-year veteran.
As Horford weighs his options, Adam Himmelsbach of the Boston Globe reports that the 39-year-old is considering retirement.
"Al Horford's future remains unclear," states Himmelsbach. "A league source said Monday that Horford is taking his time while assessing offers from multiple teams but added that the 39-year-old is considering retirement, too."
If he goes that route, it should start the countdown to his Basketball Hall of Fame induction. Where Horford has gone, winning has followed.
He won back-to-back national championships with the Florida Gators. He was critical to his team's making the playoffs in 16 of 18 seasons. He helped the Celtics evolve into a perennial title contender and eventually an NBA champion.
The first Dominican-born player to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy is an international icon and someone who has earned the right to reach basketball immortality.
It just doesn't feel like the timer should start yet. Not with what Horford is capable of contributing at both ends of the court. If he returns for year 19, there's a franchise that appears to have separated itself from those vying for his services.
What are Al Horford's most likely landing spots?
The Golden State Warriors appear to be the frontrunners in this sweepstakes. NBA insider Marc Stein recently reported, "I continue to hear that Horford is destined to land in the Bay Area."
Golden State must shed salary to offer him more than the $5.7 million taxpayer mid-level exception. However, if that's where Horford decides to go, then perhaps that's enough to get a deal done.
The five-time All-Star could team with Draymond Green to comprise a dynamic defensive duo. Offensively, he'd give Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler a floor-spacing five. Having a near-38 percent three-point threat working pick-and-rolls with Curry could cause headaches for opposing defenses.
Horford is also a valued mentor who can work with the Warriors' younger talent. That includes second-year center and former Boston College Eagle, Quinten Post.
If he opts to take his talent elsewhere, this author won't completely dismiss the possibility of him re-signing with the Celtics. However, the team appears headed for a gap year and is working to gain flexibility.
Retaining Horford is a worthy exception, but the situation highlights that as much as both parties want to stay together, their primary interests aren't aligned.
If the former Florida Gator opts for a title contender somewhere besides the Bay Area, the Denver Nuggets are a logical choice. However, they're reportedly keeping Jonas Valanciunas.
Denver acquired the 13-year veteran from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Dario Saric. Valanciunas received substantial interest from Greek powerhouse Panathinaikos. But the Nuggets decided against buying him out of his contract, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Perhaps they would change their minds if Horford agrees to sign with Denver. If it's not there or Golden State, it becomes more difficult to predict his landing spot.
The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Deandre Ayton and retained free-agent center Jaxson Hayes. The New York Knicks are bringing Guerschon Yabusele on board. And the Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly signing Larry Nance Jr.
The Warriors are the favorites here for a reason. However, as Horford mulls his options, it would be a shame if his feelings towards them result in his retirement.
Multiple championship contenders showing interest in him is a testament to the fact that he can still help a team's pursuit of the Larry O'Brien Trophy.
The former All-NBA selection averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and nearly 1.0 blocks last season. He also converted on 36.3 percent of the 5.2 threes he hoisted.
The end of Al Horford's career and the start of the countdown to what should be his enshrinement in the Basketball Hall of Fame will soon begin. However, the clock shouldn't start now. Not if he wishes to continue playing.