After a struggling season with Golden State, Al Horford’s future is once again linked to Boston in speculative buyout scenarios. But is a reunion feasible, or merely a distant dream?
In a dramatic subplot of the NBA season, an emotional scenario is being floated: could Al Horford, the former Celtics cornerstone, return to his old team after a disappointing stint with the Golden State Warriors? This idea hinges on the hypothetical that the Warriors buy out Horford’s contract, paving the way for him to join a contender—and the Celtics, with a need for backup center depth, are seen as an ideal destination.
A Disappointing Season in the Bay
Horford’s decision to leave Boston last summer for a two-year deal with the Warriors now looks like a misstep. At 38, he’s enduring the worst season of his career: just 13 appearances, averaging 21.5 minutes with a brutal stat line of 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds on 32.1% shooting from the field and 29.8% from three-point range. A lingering back injury has sidelined him for 6 of the Warriors’ last 7 games. Boston’s former hero is now a rotational afterthought in San Francisco.
The Potential Fit for Boston: More Than Just a Backup
For the Celtics, who lack a reliable backup behind Neemias Queta, a rejuvenated Horford could be a perfect fit. He would theoretically bring experience, defensive stability, floor-spacing, and crucially, locker room leadership with an intimate understanding of the Celtics’ culture and system. On a veteran-minimum deal post-buyout, he would represent a low-risk, potentially high-reward addition.
The Immovable Obstacles: Feasibility and Sentiment
However, this scenario faces monumental hurdles:
The Warriors’ Stance: The likelihood of a Golden State buyout is extremely low. They have little financial incentive to do so, and releasing a declining asset for nothing is improbable.
Physical Condition: Horford isn’t just playing poorly; he’s frequently injured. Would the Celtics gamble on a 38-year-old with back issues, even on a minimum deal?
Relationship Dynamics: This would be Horford’s third stint with the Celtics, after voluntarily leaving twice (to Philadelphia in 2019, to Golden State in 2024). While beloved, this “third-time’s a charm” narrative could generate complex feelings among fans and potentially within the locker room.
Verdict: A Beautiful Dream, But Unlikely Reality
The idea of an Al Horford reunion is a poignant storyline, fitting for the NBA’s rumor mill. Theoretically, he fills a need. However, given his clear physical decline, the near-zero feasibility of a buyout, and the context of his two prior departures, this appears more a distant fantasy than a viable strategy.
Rather than dreaming of a past reunion, the Celtics’ focus is likely better spent on finding a younger, more durable, and forward-looking solution for their backup center spot. Sometimes, looking back is necessary, but moving forward is how you progress.