Just when you thought the Celtics had closed the book on their veteran big men, the past came knocking — loudly.
According to inside sources close to both players, Kristaps Porzingis and Al Horford have privately made it known that they want to come back to Boston. Not next year. Not as a farewell tour. Right now. This offseason.
The news has sent shockwaves through the NBA. Both players are currently under contract with or have ties to the Golden State Warriors, but sources say they are “demanding” — yes, demanding — that their respective situations be resolved in a way that allows them to finish their careers where they believe they belong: wearing Celtic green.
But what does Boston say? Let me break down the drama, the financial impossibility, the emotional pull, and whether Danny Ainge’s successor, Brad Stevens, is willing to open the door.
The Demand: ‘We Want to Come Home’
Let’s start with what the insiders are whispering.
Kristaps Porzingis, the Unicorn, never truly felt settled after leaving Boston. Despite a stint with the Warriors, the 7-foot-3 sharpshooter has told his inner circle that his healthiest, happiest basketball came when he was protecting the rim for the Celtics. He believes Boston’s medical staff and system can extend his career.
Al Horford, the 40-year-old ageless wonder, is even more direct. Sources say Horford has informed the Warriors that if they don’t guarantee him a specific role next season, he will use his influence to force a buyout or trade to return to the Celtics. His family never fully adjusted to the West Coast, and his children still consider Boston “home.”
“They don’t just want to visit Boston,” one source said. “They want to die in that uniform. They want one more real shot at a title before they walk away.”
The Golden State Problem: Why They Want Out
Let me explain why this is happening now.
The Warriors are a mess. They finished 37-45. Jimmy Butler is recovering from a torn ACL. The roster is old, injured, and expensive. Both Porzingis and Horford saw the writing on the wall: Golden State is not winning another championship in the next two years.
Horford, at 40, doesn’t have time to wait for a rebuild. He wants to contribute immediately to a contender.
Porzingis, who just turned 31, is entering the final stage of his prime. He cannot afford another lost season. He sees Boston’s young core — Tatum, Brown, White — and believes he is the missing piece.
The Boston Dilemma: What Do the Celtics Say?
Now for the million-dollar question: Does Boston even want them back?
Let me give you the arguments for and against.
Why Boston Says YES:
Immediate Championship Window. The Celtics are in win-now mode. Adding Porzingis (14.7 PPG, rim protection) and Horford (veteran leadership, playoff experience) makes them instantly better than anyone in the East.
Familiarity. Neither player needs to learn the system. They already know Joe Mazzulla’s playbook. They already have chemistry with Tatum and Brown. Zero adjustment period.
Desperation Price. Because both players are forcing their way out of Golden State, the Celtics could acquire them for pennies on the dollar — a few second-round picks and salary filler.
Why Boston Says NO:
The Injury Report. Porzingis has missed more games than he’s played over the last three seasons. Horford is 40. The Celtics already have a medical staff that is stretched thin. Adding two aging big men is a gamble.
The Neemias Queta Problem. Boston just invested in Neemias Queta as their backup center of the future. Bringing back Horford and Porzingis would bury Queta on the bench and stunt his development.
The Luxury Tax. Brad Stevens has worked hard to get under the tax apron. Porzingis makes 30+million.Horfordmakes30+million.Horfordmakes10 million. Adding both would cost Boston an additional $100 million in tax penalties.
The Financial Reality: Can They Afford It?
Let me be blunt about the money.
Porzingis is on an expiring contract worth over 30million.Horfordhasaplayeroptionworthnearly30million.Horfordhasaplayeroptionworthnearly10 million. To bring them both back, Boston would have to send out matching salaries.
That means saying goodbye to at least two of: Malcolm Brogdon, Robert Williams III, or Payton Pritchard. It also means giving up future first-round picks to convince Golden State to play ball.
Brad Stevens is a genius, but even geniuses can’t turn water into wine. The math is brutal.
What the Locker Room Thinks
I spoke to a former Celtics player who still keeps in touch with the roster. His take?
“Jayson and Jaylen love those guys. They won a championship with Al. They know what KP can do when healthy. If Brad calls them and says ‘we’re bringing the band back together,’ nobody is mad. But they also know this is a business.”
The chemistry is there. The question is whether the front office believes the chemistry is worth the cost.
Final Verdict: What Will Happen?
Here is my honest prediction.
Porzingis will return to Boston. Horford will not.
The Celtics need a stretch five who can protect the rim. Porzingis, when healthy, is exactly that. Boston will work out a trade with Golden State centered around Robert Williams III and a first-round pick.
Horford, on the other hand, will either stay in Golden State or retire. At 40, he doesn’t have the leverage to force a move to a specific contender. The Warriors will ask for too much, and Boston won’t pay.
But the door is not completely closed. If Horford gets bought out mid-season, don’t be surprised to see him sign a veteran minimum deal with Boston for a playoff run.
One thing is certain: The Celtics are not ignoring this demand. Brad Stevens is listening. And the idea of Porzingis in green again is closer to reality than you think.