Al Horford has agreed in principle to join the Boston Celtics for $113 million spread over four years. (Photo : Getty Images/Kevin C. Cox)
NBA free agency 2016 has kicked off wildly as many had expected with most teams scampering for the best talent to fill up team needs. And while many are in pursuit of Kevin Durant, the Boston Celtics went for the next best thing in Al Horford who has agreed to join the Cs next season.
The Boston Celtics have long wanted a certified superstar and barring any last minute changes, they may have just fulfilled that need. The Celtics have reportedly come to terms with erstwhile Atlanta Hawk big man Al Horford through a four-year deal worth $113 million.
Horford is considered the next best available talent in the free agent market but most have focused on Durant. Danny Ainge and company took the alternative route by snagging Horford first which could technically convince KD that the Celtics are bent to revive their winning tradition.
The Horford deal places the Celtics in a win-win situation. With Durant a remote possibility of joining, Horford beefs up their underachieving frontline. As reported by the Washington Post, the Celtics tried to make do with the likes of Amir Johnson and Jared Sullinger through the years. But as everyone knows, that ploy never bore fruit.
The Celtics are still in the running until Durant announces his decision. But from the looks of it, KD is more than likely to stay with the Oklahoma City Thunder next season. With or without Durant, the Celtics have netted the next best thing and good times could be back in Boston soon.
The Atlanta Hawks did try to pitch to Horford but based on the numbers, it was far from what the Celtics had on the table. According to ESPN the Hawks final offer was $136 million for five years, a far cry from what Boston offered.
The Celtics actually have room for two max-contract free agents. If not Durant, the Celtics could go after another high profile player. But before that, the Celts need to settle the players from within. The Celtics need to decide on the fate of other players like Marcus Smart, Jonas Jerebko, Johnson and Sullinger if they are to get back to the top, Hoops Habit reported.
While all that remains to be seen, check out what Al Horford brings to the Boston Celtics via the video below.
