While most will focus on Kyrie Irving's impending free agency and his uncertain future with the Celtics, Al Horford's player option remains a crucial aspect of Boston's offseason.
Horford has the choice to opt out of a $30.1 million salary next season and become an unrestricted free agent, but according to Steve Bulpett of the Boston Herald, he may want to work something out with the Celtics to stay.
The Celts still have to find out what Al Horford wants to do. The veteran can opt out of the approximately $29 million he has coming next year, and, according to a league source, Horford would like to stay. The source added that he’d take a more team-friendly number for next season if he can get two more years tacked on.
Bulpett added that the Celtics have not yet engaged Horford in contract talks.
Horford struggled with knee soreness throughout the regular season, but as usual, he was able to play at his highest level in the postseason. The Celtics had a disappointing end to their season with a 4-1 series loss to Milwaukee, but Horford should not be a casualty if Danny Ainge decides to re-shuffle the roster.
Horford will be 33 years old going into next season, so opting for more years on a contract than a larger salary could be a smart move for the five-time All-Star.
Agreeing to a smaller salary figure would also help out the Celtics' ownership group with the luxury tax, especially if Kyrie Irving re-signs on a max-contract and if Ainge aims to acquire Anthony Davis in a trade.
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The deadline for player option decisions is June 29, while NBA free agency is set to being on July 1.
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