In shocking twist, Al Horford now expected to leave Celtics
Boston Celtics forward Al Horford (42) attempts a basket over Cleveland Cavaliers center Kevin Love (0) during the first quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena.
It took not even half a day for the narrative surrounding the Boston Celtics and Al Horford to completely change.
Officially opting out of a $30.1 million player option for 2019-20 on Tuesday, the expectation was that the 33-year-old was opting out of his deal in Boston in order to sign a team-friendly contract that would add a couple of years on to Horford’s tenure in Boston, and that it would allow the Celtics to possibly make moves elsewhere as well. ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski said that there was a ‘motivation’ between the sides to hammer out a new long-term contract in Boston.
But now it would appear that Horford is on the outs in Boston (and on his own terms), as multiple reports have indicated that the veteran Horford is instead going to sign a four-year contract elsewhere.
The story was first reported by the Boston Herald’s Steve Bulpett.
Major change in the Al Horford situation:
— Steve Bulpett (@SteveBHoop) June 18, 2019
Per source close to Horford, his side is no longer discussing a new 3-year deal to stay with the Celtics. He is expected to sign a 4-year free agent contract elsewhere...
Story to come.
The story was shortly backed up by The Athletic’s Shams Charania, who even went as far to say that the C’s are preparing to lose both Horford and Kyrie Irving in free agency, according to league sources.
The Boston Celtics are preparing for strong scenario that All-Stars Kyrie Irving and Al Horford will leave as free agents, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 18, 2019
