It wasn't a surprise when Oklahoma City Thunder general manager Sam Presti told Al Horford he intended to trade him before the NBA Draft. Horford was used sparingly in the regular season and shut down for good in March.
All along, Horford knew where he wanted to go: Boston.
The Boston Globe's Adam Himmelsbach outlines Horford's return to the Celtics in a new feature piece, telling the story of an accomplished veteran who regrets chasing the money (though Himmelsbach notes Horford never used that word). Horford opted out of the final year of his deal and signed a four-year contract worth $109 million to play for the 76ers.
The Celtics were right to not match the offer, though they missed Horford's presence. The reunion makes sense for both sides.
When Brad Stevens had the chance to swap Kemba Walker for Horford, he jumped on it.
Horford was elated when the deal went through.
"My family and I were all just jumping and screaming," he said. "It was so exciting, because I know what kind of place this is. I didn't want to be any other place but here. It's taken me being away from here and having to go through what I went through to really realize that."
At 35 years old, Horford is no longer expected to be a centerpiece. But he's ready for a mentor role. He was with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown at the start of their NBA careers. Now he's going to be here for their primes.
