NBA teams keeping close tabs on Celtics vet ahead of free agency

Heading into this offseason, the Boston Celtics are a team many are going to have their eyes on. Just a few weeks out from free agency, the league is already keeping close tabs on some of their key players. 

With Jayson Tatum expected to miss a good portion of next season, contending likely isn't in the cards for Boston. Because of this, and their impending ownership change, the expectation is that the front office will break up the roster's expensive core. Aside from their higher-paid players, the Celtics also have big decisions to make regarding their supporting cast. 

This offseason, Al Horford will be an unrestricted free agent. Fresh off his 39th birthday, he has shown no intentions of retiring. As a reliable veteran in the right role, Horford is still capable of providing a boost for a good team. 

In his latest column breaking down intel across the league, NBA insider Michael Scotto touched on Horford's impending free agency. He cited that teams across the league are closely monitoring the former All-Star's situation in Boston. 

"Predominantly, high-level playoff contenders are monitoring Horford to see if he’d leave Boston, with the Celtics expected to take a step back without Tatum next season and in a financial crunch regarding their salary books. The general sense around the league and those close to Horford is that he’ll continue to play next season."

This season, Horford averaged 9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, and 2.1 APG while shooting league average from beyond the arc. With his positional versatility and high basketball IQ, he could certainly garner interest from competitive teams looking to add quality veterans. 

Though he's built a strong bond with the Celtics franchise, Horford might want to consider a change of scenery if he wants to try and add another title to his resumé before calling it a career.