1. Al Horford, Boston Celtics
2019-20 option: $30.1 million
The Boston Celtics crashed and burned this season amidst inflated expectations and locker room turmoil. They’re now staring down a momentous offseason, but All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving isn’t necessarily their only big-name free agent of note.
Like Marc Gasol, Al Horford wouldn’t come close to matching the value of his player option ($30.1 million) if he opted out to test the open market. But if Irving plans to leave and Horford hopes to contend for a title next season, he may be willing to prioritize ring-chasing over money.
A league source told Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald that Horford would “like to stay” and would “take a more team-friendly number for next season if he can get two more years tacked on.” As of mid-May, however, the Celtics had “yet to engage in any talks with Horford or his representation,” per Bulpett.
Horford isn’t a high-volume scorer, but he’s the two-way backbone of the Celtics. His basketball IQ and veteran craftiness give Boston a foundational piece on defense, and his passing ability makes him an offensive hub, too. Losing him in free agency would be a major blow for a Celtics team that entered this past season with championship aspirations.
Horford turned 33 on June 3, so the Celtics may be willing to lock him in on a smaller annual rate through his age-35 season. His game isn’t predicated on athleticism, so something in the neighborhood of a three-year, $50-60 million contract isn’t likely to age poorly.
The five-time All-Star might prefer to see where Irving signs before he commits to the Celtics beyond next season, so opting in may be his best bet. But if he’d prefer the security of a three- or four-year contract, perhaps he’ll decline his player option and take a smaller salary next year in exchange for long-term peace of mind.
Unless otherwise noted, all stats via NBA.com or Basketball-Reference. All salary information via Basketball Insiders.
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