The Boston Celtics might look significantly different come next season as the organization might be losing one of their main pieces on the team.
With Kyrie Irving ghosting the franchise for this free agency, Al Horford has declined his $30.1 million player option for next season and is looking for a long-term deal out of Boston, according to ESPN. Adrian Wojnarowski reports that he wants a three or four year deal and the two sides were pretty far apart when negotiations were on the table.
Neither Horford or the Celtics could close on a deal to resign.
This is a massive loss for the C’s, considering Al is very loved in the locker room and one of the veterans on the squad that took the young core under his wing in his tenure with the team. He has been credited as being one of the leaders of the team and a “glue guy” during their playoff runs.
It’ll be interesting to see where the All Star center signs next season.
Boston Celtics center Al Horford will not exercise the $30.1M option on his 2019-20 contract and become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell ESPN. Horford and the Celtics both have interest in working toward a new deal in July, sources tell ESPN.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2019
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