There are quite a few former Boston Celtics who are or could become free agents this summer. From Robert Williams III to Anfernee Simons and Kristaps Porzingis, there's a case for bringing back any of them. The Time Lord is the top name on this list, in this author's opinion. Another compelling option is Al Horford.
Boston needs to find a partner to pair with Neemias Queta to form a potent 1-2 punch at the center position. Horford is a stabilizing force. And he reiterated in the play-in tournament that he is at his best when it matters most. The 19-year veteran buried four threes in the final frame, helping the Golden State Warriors knock off the Los Angeles Clippers.
The former Florida Gator, who recently turned 40, produced 8.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.6 assists, and 1.1 blocks per game this season. He also converted on 36.1 percent of the 4.6 threes he attempted.
A third stint with the Celtics would help Boston fortify its front court. However, a familiar foe threatens that from happening.
LeBron James could dash the Celtics' Al Horford hopes
If the four-time champion ends his career alongside Stephen Curry and Draymond Green, then Horford's probably returning to the Bay Area. The latter has a player option worth just below $6 million for the 2026-27 season. He would likely exercise that if James joins Golden State. Either way, he figures to remain with Golden State in this scenario. His family has loved it out there, and that's probably an acquisition that persuades him not to relocate.
Based on how last season ended for the Los Angeles Lakers, this author believes the most likely outcome is that James is back with the purple and gold next year.
The future first ballot Hall of Famer embraced a role change to get more out of the trio of him, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. When those two went down, he stepped up. Reaves returned to help, but James was the driving force who led the Lakers to the second round of the playoffs. Furthermore, his son is on the team, and his family appears entrenched in Los Angeles. It seems like the place that he and his family want to be.
Adding to that speculation, in a recent episode of The Draymond Green Show, the host and four-time All-Star stated he does not envision James leaving the Lakers to join the Warriors. Instead, he wonders if the 21-time All-NBA selection will return for a 24th season.
Draymond and Tim Legler discuss LeBron And Giannis' futures
— The Draymond Green Show (@DraymondShow) June 9, 2026
Legler on Giannis: "Dame Lillard went through this in Portland, like you get to the point where it's almost like everybody kind of just understands it's time.”
Draymond on LeBron: "I think just from what I see, I don't… pic.twitter.com/Qal1bm1DYC
"I think, just from what I see, I don't think it's a matter of if he goes to another team or not," voiced Green. "I think it's a matter of if he continues playing or not."
To that end, James's agent, Rich Paul, recently told Pat McAfee that the two have yet to discuss the four-time MVP's NBA future.
Despite rumors circulating, Rich Paul tells @PatMcAfeeshow that he hasn't had a conversation with LeBron James about next season, but has received calls from "about 10-12 teams" interested 👀
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) June 12, 2026
"Believe nothing that's out there because I haven't had one conversation with him." pic.twitter.com/drtwegSNhC
"There's been no conversation. I have not had one conversation with him," said Paul. "When he comes to me and wants to sit down, I am more than prepared for every scenario that there could be."
Still, it's hard to believe that James has already played his last game. A return to Los Angeles seems most likely. Whether he teams up with Curry will play a role, and potentially a deciding one, in whether the Celtics can bring back Horford.
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