Celtics All-Star Linked to Warriors in Potential Blockbuster Move

The Boston Celtics are facing uncertainty at the starting center position for the upcoming season following the trade of Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet signing with the Spurs. This leaves the team without an experienced center, with Al Horford being the only remaining option, though he is not expected to return.

Brad Stevens has essentially confirmed that Horford will not be back with the Celtics, and the focus is now on which team he will join next season. Horford has been linked to the Golden State Warriors as he seeks a team with championship potential, which the Celtics are not considered to be without Jayson Tatum available for most of next season. With Horford likely having only one year left to play, winning a championship is a priority.

Consequently, the Celtics must explore other options for their starting center. Unless an unknown trade materializes, they are likely to start inexperienced players like Luka Garza or Neemias Queta. The team appears prepared to treat next season as a gap year while they resolve the future of the center position, especially with Horford's departure meaning he will either play for another team or retire.

If Horford joins the Warriors, he is seen as a good fit for their style of play due to his ability to hit open threes and rebound effectively despite his age, complementing their small-ball lineups. However, at this stage of his career, he is considered best suited for a bench role, and part of his reluctance to return to Boston stems from concerns about potentially being required to play too many minutes.