Could a Celtics franchise hero make a surprise return late in free agency?

After the Boston Celtics were shockingly upset in the second round of the 2024-25 NBA playoffs, it felt like it was the end of an era.

With superstar Jayston Tatum out for the foreseeable future thanks to a torn Achilles, Boston cut ties with a majority of their 2023-24 championship core, trading Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and allowing veterans Al Horford and Luke Kornet to walk in free agency.

At the start of the Summer, Celtics President of Basketball Operations Brad Stevens considered it unlikely that Horford would be back, but considering a prolonged free agency, is it possible the 39-year-old could return?

Celtics Insider Reveals Chances of Al Horford Returning to the Celtics

In an appearance on the Light Years podcast, Bobby Manning of Celtics on CLNS revealed the likelihood of the longtime Celtics big man returning to Boston.

"There's probably still some Celtics fans wondering, 'Oh, if things don't work out here could he end up on the Celtics?' I don't think there's any chance of that happening. So I do not imagine there's a chance he'll be on the Celtics this year," said Manning.

Horford has long been linked to the Golden State Warriors since the start of the Summer, but thanks to the ongoing restricted free agency of Jonathan Kuminga, the Warriors have been stuck in a holding pattern and are the only team yet to acquire a player this offseason.

Once the Kuminga situation is resolved, it's more likely Horford ends up on the veteran-heavy Warriors roster, which will be a sad sight to see for some Celtics fans.