As Boston sports organizations all go in different directions, the Celtics continue to provide the most success and excitement heading into 2025. The Celtics are sitting at 22-6, second in the Eastern Conference behind the Cavaliers, with a 10.0 point differential, good for fourth-best in the league. Much of this is being done without their All-Star center, Kristaps Porzingis, who returned on November 25th after undergoing off-season surgery. The New Year brings resolutions, excitement about future plans, and a restart on the calendar.Even though we would prefer 2025 to be the year the Celtics win consecutive championships, the next year will also likely bring new players and coaching staff members. These three Celtics have the potential to depart Boston in the upcoming year.
1. Al Horford
Over his seven years with Boston, Horford, a Celtics fan favorite, has seen the team through its highs and lows. Whether starting or playing off the bench, his defensive presence and ability to stretch the field have been essential to the Celtics’ success. Over the years, Horford has been challenged to defend several MVPs in playoff series, including Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo. He has consistently maintained his position.
Many people thought during the off-season that Horford had played his final season with the Celtics and would retire on top after a brilliant 17-year career after winning a well-earned ring with Boston the previous season. After being selected by Atlanta in the 2007 NBA Draft, Horford has won one NBA championship, been selected to five All-Star teams, been selected to one All-NBA squad, and been named to an All-Defensive team. According to StatMuse, he is the seventh-oldest player in the NBA.
Horford may be absent from Boston in 2025 because of his retirement. He stated in September that he doesn’t set time restrictions for how long he will play, and he hasn’t confirmed that this is his final season. The primary issue is that Horford’s contract expires this year, leaving him a free agent in June.
Whether Al decides to hang up his boots after this season or not, the Celtics have some promising big men learning behind the veteran Horford. Luke Kornet, Neemias Queta, and Xavier Tillman are all younger and less expensive options who will be free agents in June. Is there a chance that Horford will sign a minimum, team-friendly deal to return to Boston next season? Yes, but there is still some uncertainty in the situation given his age.
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