New Report on Celtics Star’s NBA Retirement Decision

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Matt John | Last updated Jun 16, 2025 1:43 PM ET

The Boston Celtics already had many questions about where they would go this offseason before Jayson Tatum tore his Achilles. While his significant injury certainly changes a lot going forward, there are still some decisions to make this offseason.

They want to get under the NBA's second tax apron, which means players like Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis may not be on the team next season. Both will be paid over $30 million next season, so if either or both are off the Celtics' payroll, that could help Boston accomplish that goal.

Then there's Boston's free agents, who carry their own question marks.

The Celtics have three players who will be unrestricted free agents this offseason: Al Horford, Luke Kornet, and Torrey Craig. There's no telling what the future holds for them.

Horford's case is different because he is a free agent and, at 39 years old, could retire. That said, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reported that Horford will return to the NBA next season.

"The general sense around the league and those close to Horford is that he’ll continue to play next season," Scotto wrote.

Story: Reporting on Kevin Durant trade talks, how the Desmond Bane trade happened and what’s next for the Grizzlies and Magic, Jonathan Kuminga suitors, three Hawks and two Celtics free agents, Pelicans, Cavs, and a Day’Ron Sharpe interview on @hoopshype. https://t.co/3Vlnx9Lpm1
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 16, 2025

Whether that's with the Celtics is another question. Scotto also reported that teams are keeping their eye on Horford with Tatum out for most of next season, if not the entirety.

"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," Scotto wrote.

Horford has left quite the legacy in Boston, but Tatum's injury puts their title chances into question next season. If he joins a healthier contender, that could give him the opportunity to win another title before he calls it quits.

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

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