With NBA free agency just a few hours away, there have been a number of updates regarding Al Horford's future. Multiple reports now indicate Horford may actually be heading back to Boston after all, though logistically speaking, it would be extremely complicated.
Horford is reportedly drawing a great deal of interest from the Kings. However, Sam Amick of The Athletic reported that despite Sacramento's anticipated "massive offer" for Horford, a source shared that they are "under the impression that he's likely heading elsewhere."
According to The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor, "elsewhere" could be Boston. O'Connor tweeted, "There are some league executives that believe the 'mystery team' for Al Horford is…the Boston Celtics," to which Amick also reported he has "heard this as well."
O'Connor was quick to also point out that keeping Horford would "require a number of complicated maneuvers," including a double sign-and-trade.
Keith Smith of Yahoo Sports explained Boston doesn't have the cap space to sign Kemba Walker and keep Al Horford. In order to do so, it would involve a series of sign-and-trade deals to create the ability to both keep Horford and bring in Walker. It would involve Brooklyn, Charlotte, and possibly a fourth team that would agree to do so. But technically, it is possible.
Smith also proposed an alternative: "The other, simpler option, is that Boston still clears books for Kemba. Then they make another trade or two that sends out salary without taking much, if any back, and uses that cap space to re-sign Horford."
But according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, Boston is working to get a deal lined up very quickly.
Wojnarowski reported early Sunday afternoon, "Sources: Boston's showing interest in a 3-team sign-and-trade w/Kyrie Irving (Nets), Kemba Walker (Celtics) and Terry Rozier (Hornets). Boston wants to create a full MLE and would likely need to surrender at least a first-round pick to Nets. So far, talks are exploratory."
There would be a number of moving factors in order to be able to bring Horford back to Boston. But, it is possible. And multiple league sources believe that the Celtics could be the landing spot for the five-time NBA All-Star.
