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New York Knicks Linked to Boston Celtics Champion Ahead of Pivotal Offseason

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Svyato Rovenchuk | Last updated Jun 2, 2025 1:27 PM ET

The New York Knicks could not overcome the hole they dug themselves into against the Indiana Pacers during the Eastern Conference Finals. The team is heading for a pivotal offseason as a result.

The Knicks got bounced in six games by the Pacers. Indiana's superior depth and well-rounded team ultimately got the best of New York's star-studded squad.

The financial commitment the Knicks have to their main core of Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart will leave the front office in need of some savvy maneuvering in free agency.

One former NBA champion could provide that type of move.

Knicks linked to frontcourt upgrade ahead of free agency

ESPN insider Tim Bontemps got on the Hoop Collective and floated the idea of the Knicks pursuing veteran big man and former NBA champion Al Horford in free agency. Bontemps thought the move made a lot of sense for both sides.

"Al Horford is a free agent. 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 [Boston] Celtics, I think he’s now much more in play than he might have been a month ago. …

Horford is a longtime friend of Karl-Anthony Towns and has played with him with the Dominican National team for a long time."

-Tim Bontemps

With the Celtics expected to experience an offseason of cost-saving moves, not bringing back Horford could be a result of that. This should leave the door open for a union in New York.

Horford averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 0.9 blocks, and 0.6 steals per game in 60 appearances for the Celtics this past season. However, the veteran big only shot 42.3 percent from the field, showing some obvious signs of decline.

Still, for a team like the Knicks who are crying out for extra depth, the move would suit them. They can add a proven player whom Tom Thibodeau should be able to trust come playoff time.

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

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