The Celtics can’t really start planning their offseason until they know if Al Horford is picking up his $30.1MM option for next season, writes Chris Forsberg of NBC Sports Boston. Horford’s decision is due by June 18 and it will affect a lot of other areas in what could be a summer of change in Boston.
Horford’s choices are to either take the money, which is a hefty salary for a player about to turn 33, try his luck on the open market, or attempt to work out a longer deal with the Celtics that includes a smaller payment for next season. Forsberg notes that by opting in, Horford could make himself an attractive trade piece to help Boston match salaries in a deal for Anthony Davis or another star.
Even if the Celtics don’t get Davis and lose Kyrie Irving in free agency, Horford could be valuable to keep, Forsberg notes. He formed an effective combination with the team’s younger players during last year’s run to the conference finals.
There’s more from the Atlantic Division:
- This will also be an important summer for Celtics swingman Jaylen Brown, who will be eligible for a rookie scale extension. Brown doesn’t have an agent, but he hopes the team will be open to talking about a long future together. “I’m 22 years old. I know I have a lot to learn,” he said. “I know the older guys on our team, I think they feel the same thing. They got a lot to learn, too. So, that’s a part of it; everybody growing.”
- With rumors swirling of Irving possibly teaming up with D’Angelo Russell in the Nets‘ backcourt, the man who coached them both in high school believes they can be successful together. Marc Berman of The New York Post talked to Kevin Boyle, who knows both players as well as anyone. “I 1,000 percent think that could work,” Boyle said. “D’Angelo knows Kyrie, likes him, respects him. That could work with both sides. Kyrie could help D’Angelo to that top-10, top-15 level. I could see that blending together nicely. Not everybody fits with everybody. I don’t know why in Boston the things didn’t fit [for Irving], but it could fit there.”
- Raptors guard Kyle Lowry is one win away from cashing in on a $500K bonus for reaching the NBA Finals, tweets ESPN’s Bobby Marks. If he collects, it would add $1.25MM to the team’s luxury tax payment. Lowry would earn another $500K if the Raptors win the NBA title.
Jaylen Brown doesn’t have an agent? Then he has a fool for a client.
Oh, and the Celtics aren’t getting Davis…..
Who peed in your Cheerios?
Obviously a Celtic fan, HaHaHa!
Lol someone watches Law and Order SVU…haha
His initial contract was a rookie scale one so it’s not a big deal. In actuality, the NBA is probably the league where an agent matters the least for a top player. There’s already a pre-set limit to what they can earn for the most part.
I wonder if Boston has any desire to move Haywood’s remaining 2/$67. And would they be willing to trade their #14 pick to move it?
Haywood $($33 mil x 2) for Smith’s 1/$14 mil expiring contract (only $4 mil guaranteed) and Tristan’s 1/$17 expiring contract + the 14th overall? Once they release Smith the total dollars owed would be $21 mil so Boston saves $10 mil not, $34 mil next year and might be able to use Tristan’s expiring contract in another trade or keep him and get a 10/10 guy with a good motor.
Would take more than #14 to dump Gordon.
I’m not sure that it would when you really think about it. Especially for a team like Cleveland that has opportunity for a guy like Hayward to bounce back. Even if he doesn’t bounce back, you are not only going to be getting just #14, but you will be getting a HUGE expiring contract for 20-21 that could be used either in a trade to pick up another draft pick OR to possibly get your own max FA.
I guess they COULD get another pick (maybe 20 or 22) from Boston, but I really don’t think it would be needed.
Al Horford is a big reason the Celtics stepped up from contender to possible finals candidate a few years ago.
He brought in maturity, shored up the defense, and brought winning culture to the squad.
I Love Al Horford. Wonder if he might not do the option and become a free agent? Teams should be lined up even though he’s 33 years old.
Ainge has a lot of decisions to make this summer. But as one can see by getting a top 5 player you can go from pretender to contender. AD will certainly but Boston at the door of the Finals in the East.
Horford should take more but over time. $30m next year will restrict what Danny can do. I don’t think they gut their team for one year rental of Davis.
horford’s been a beast – healthy, high bb IQ, puts up consistent numbers. too bad he burned his prime yrs in atl
Although I think it could work in Brooklyn with Kyrie, I’d like to see them land Julius Randle when the dust settles. Him and D’angelo have history together and the Nets haven’t had a legit 4 in forever. This makes more sense to me then moving Russel to the 2 and signing Kyrie.