Celtics Could Lose NBA Champion to Knicks in Free Agency

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 8:47 PM ET

Even before Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles, there were many questions regarding who would stay and who would go on the Boston Celtics this offseason. Being above the NBA's second tax apron, the Celtics will likely part ways with some of their players.

They also have some free agents this summer, including Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Torrey Craig. The most decorated of those free agents is obviously Horford, who has played seven years for the Celtics and has helped make multiple extensive playoff runs.

The five-time All-Star will be 39 this summer, and while he has impressively continued to play at an NBA level despite his age, he still only has so much time left. With Tatum out indefinitely, the Celtics may not be able to compete at a high level, which puts re-signing Horford into question.

On "The Hoop Collective," ESPN's Tim Bontemps expressed his doubts as to whether Horford will stay in Boston.

"Al Horford is a free agent," said Bontemps. "I don't think at this point it makes a lot of sense for ... Horford to be back in Boston. Maybe he will be, but given where things are with the Celtics, I think he's now much more in play than he might have been a month ago."

By contrast, Bontemps believes the New York Knicks hold plenty of appeal to Horford as a destination.

"Horford is a longtime friend of (Karl-Anthony Towns and) has played with him with the Dominican National team for a long time," Bontemps said. "If they go get Al Horford this summer, ... I think (he) would be an unbelievable fit on this Knicks roster."

The Celtics lost Horford the last time he hit free agency when he left to join the Philadelphia 76ers in 2019. The last time the Celtics had former players join the Knicks in free agency was 2021 when Kemba Walker and Evan Fournier joined them.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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