The latest intel suggests Al Horford has undergone a major change of heart. After previous reporting indicated the All-Star big man would opt out of his contract and work to sign a long-term deal with the Boston Celtics, he's now expected to pursue a four-year contract from other teams in free agency, according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald.
ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski confirmed the news shortly thereafter, adding context that the gulf between Horford and the Celtics on the terms of his new contract proved too much to overcome.
Horford signed a four-year, $113 million deal with Boston in free agency three years ago. He had a player option of $30.1 million in the final season of his existing contract, but many always believed the 33 year old would decline it in hopes of securing as much money as possible over the long haul. Most expected Horford to return to the Celtics, too, making reports of his intention to opt out and almost immediately re-sign with Boston completely unsurprising.
Far more shocking is Horford's about face, which, coupled with the likely defection of Kyrie Irving, is poised to leave the Celtics without their two best players.
Horford averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, and 1.3 blocks per game during the regular season while fighting through nagging knee pain. Though his shooting numbers dipped after a strong start to the playoffs, Horford nevertheless proved his value as one of the league's most versatile two-way big men during the Celtics' postseason run, which ended after a five-game loss to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round.
A five-time All-Star, Horford will arguably be the top traditional big man on the open market come the start of free agency.
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