Al Horford will take the time to choose the NBA future

Important changes are expected for them Celtics Speculations have already started this summer as to whether they will be included Al Horford'S retirement, writes Jay King of the athletic.

Horford, who turns 39 next month, is for the freelance agency after the two -year contract he signed in 2023. Since returning in 2021, it has been an integral part of the organization and played an important role with last year's championship team, but he did not decide whether he wanted to continue his NBA career.

“I will take some time here with my wife and children and only (do)” Horford said at the exit interviews on Saturday. “It wasn't even a day (since Boston's Playoff run ended), so there is still a lot to process for me and just feel everything from last night was difficult.”

King notes that Horford previously said that he is planning to continue playing as long as he feels physically good and can continue to contribute to it. A report last week by Brian Windhorst of ESPN said Horford was not ready to retire and hoped for a new contract with the Celtics, but Horford sounded less safe after the game 6 on Friday in New York.

“I'm not ready to talk about it” He told reporters. “I only need some time with my wife and family, and I plan to do these next few weeks.”

There have already been rumors that Boston was planning to reduce the salary this summer to reduce its tax bill, and that the strategy with the loss of more likely became Jayson Tatum To a torn Achilles who could avoid him for the next season. The organization projects far beyond the second apron and faces a record tax penalty when the current roster stays together.

The Celtics have made a few concessions in Horfords age as if he were not using it at both ends of back-to-back, but it remains an essential part of the success of the team. This season he performed in 60 games, started 42 and scored an average of 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds in 27.7 minutes per night. It also fits into the team's three -point philosophy by shooting 36.3% of the arch.

Horford earned $ 9.5 million this year, so it shouldn't be expensive to bring him back if he decides to continue playing.

King adds that Horford also has an enormous leader of the changing room with players like Luke Kornet And Sam Hauser rave about his influence.

“He is one of the best teammates I have ever had on a single level.” Hauser said. “What I learned most from him was just routine and efficient with their time. In my first two years I saw him a lot from afar. And I don't even know if he knows that, but I made a lot of mental notes about how he operated on every day. If you are prepared on the pitch, he also has to be a father for five children, just to have one, just one, I am a lot.