Celtics’ offseason makeover could include losing Al Horford

The Celtics have already lost two key players this offseason.

They might be on their way to losing a third. 

The Celtics traded away Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers and Kristaps Porzingis to the Hawks this week to shed some money, and now, not re-signing Al Horford is a real possibility. 

On Wednesday, ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania joined “The Pat McAfee Show” to shed more light on the veteran forward, who is hitting free agency this offseason. 

Charania noted that Horford, 39, has “a pretty robust free agency market.” 

Al Horford looks on during the Knicks’ series-clinching win over the Celtics on May 16, 2025 at Madison Square Garden. NBAE via Getty Images

If the Celtics lose Horford, it would be another piece gone from the 2024 NBA championship-winning team. 

The forward has been in the league for 18 years, beginning his career with the Hawks after they drafted him third overall in 2007.

He has had two stints with the Celtics, once between 2016-2019, and then again starting in 2021. 

Mikal Bridges of the Knicks puts up a shot as Al Horford of the Celtics defends. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

As his age has increased, his production has decreased.

Last season, he averaged 9.0 points while grabbing 6.2 rebounds per game, both of which were close to career lows. 

The Celtics are trying to avoid a massive luxury tax bill, so retaining Horford for more than they’d want to is unlikely. 

The two trades already have saved the team $27 million in cap space for the upcoming season and helped bring them under the second apron.

And with Jayson Tatum likely out for the entire year with an Achilles injury, it’s unclear how the Celtics view this upcoming season.