The Boston Celtics are revamping their roster, with key veterans likely to become the next player.
Within a few days, the Boston Celtics barely went from a championship competitor to the Eastern Conference playoff team.
General Manager Brad Stevens has blown up the core of the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship team. First, Jrue Holiday was traded to Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Anfernee Simons and two second picks.
Following on, Stevens also parted ways with Christaps Porzingis in a three-team deal with the Atlanta Hawks and Brooklyn Net. NBA analyst Bill Simmons is worried that the next player who can leave will be nothing more than Al Horford.
Horford spent seven seasons in Boston in two stints. He also played a key role in the Celtics’ 2024 NBA Championship.
The 39-year-old has become an unlimited free agent this summer, with Simmons losing his sleep in the prospect of Horford, who could potentially join the Los Angeles Lakers.
“I think he ended his career in Boston. He’s making $300 million. Deep, I’m a bit worried. The team I’m worried about is the Lakers.
“It’s an obvious Al Horford fit that they can grab him,” Simmons said on his podcast.
Despite that concern, Simmons reminded fans of Horford’s achievements in the Celtics Jersey.
“There are a few other things. I don’t know. He won the title in Boston, is loved in Boston, he won the ring without having to chase the ring,” he added.
As one of the oldest players to join NBA free agency, it’s clear that Horford won’t ask for a big salary to sign with his team.
After all, as Simmons said, he has already made nearly $300 million in his NBA career. Plus, the organization can easily offer veteran minimum deals to Horford as the Celtics win a second apron for the luxury tax.
Unless the 39-year-old still wants to win another ring in his NBA career, signing the deal is easy for him, especially as the Celtics player wants to return this offseason to Horford.
The 5x NBA All-Star averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game last season. So, even if Simmons suggests moving to the Lakers, purple and gold won’t benefit much from the aging backup centre.