Al Horford will be an unrestricted free agent this summer, and according to James Edwards III of The Athletic, he could be a perfect target for the New York Knicks. The Knicks will have the taxpayer MLE available to them, which is worth roughly $5.7 million. Depending on Horford’s thought process this summer, New York could make some sense.
The Celtics may not be a contender next season due to Jayson Tatum rupturing his Achilles, and if Horford wants to gun for another ring, the Knicks could be a decent option that could also afford to pay him. At least, more than the Celtics probably will.
But Horford joining the Knicks would absolutely enrage the fanbase.
Why Knicks make sense for Al Horford?
New York doesn’t have much center depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns and Mitchell Robinson, and since they like to play some double-big lineups, that can prove to be a bit of a problem. Precious Achiuwa is a free agent this summer, and even if they brought him back, they could use an upgrade.
Horford and Towns have a relationship due to their relationship through the Dominican Republic, and there would theoretically be real minutes for Horford to soak up with the Knicks.
Plus, since the Celtics will likely be looking to save a bunch of money this summer, they may be hesitant to throw a real deal at Horford. If the Knicks hand him their entire taxpayer MLE, he could be enticed.
That said, considering how highly Horford has spoken of the Celtics organization throughout his years there, it seems highly unlikely that he would leave (again). Still, if he were to leave Boston, especially for the Knicks, the fanbase wouldn’t be pleased.
Celtics fans would hate Al Horford on the Knicks
At this point, there are very few things Horford could do that would anger the fanbase. He’s beloved by the entire City of Boston, and after winning a title with the Celtics, he’ll forever be cemented in the franchise’s lore.
However, leaving Boston for New York would certainly sting. And though fans may have a hard time being upset with Horford directly, it would definitely lead to a new level of spite angled at the Knicks organization.
The Knicks taking any player from the Celtics would probably frustrate the fanbase, but taking Horford, of all people? That would lead to some very angry fans in green and white.
Obviously, there has been no legitimate connection linking Horford to the Knicks, but the mere thought of him leaving Boston for New York may be enough to ignite a fire under the most hardcore fans.
