The Celtics refused to budge. They wouldn't take those lowball offers on their NBA Draft picks and their young players. They wanted a star.
They got one. They might get two. The Celtics will sign former Hawks center Al Horford for four years and $113 million, NBA.com first reported Saturday. The deal brings Boston its All-Star big man and perhaps keeps the Celtics alive in the Kevin Durant race.
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Boston had been a good team the past few years, all while dismantling the single-title-dynasty roster of Kevin Garnett, Paul Pierce, Ray Allen and Rajon Rondo. They found a few solid young contributors at reasonable prices and traded exceptionally well, particularly in essentially stealing the Nets' future in the trade of Garnett and Pierce.
The result had been consecutive first-round playoff losses and the lack of a real star. Isaiah Thomas was named an All-Star this past season as much because of his scoring as to validate the team's success.
Horford is a big deal, though. He's one of the most talented and intelligent centers in the NBA, with an efficient style that falls somewhere between Chris Bosh and Tim Duncan. He's 30, but the Celtics can afford to take a risk on his remaining prime because he's been so consistent and has a style that will age well.
He's also excited.
Celtic Pride!!!!!! 🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀🍀
— Al Horford (@Al_Horford) July 2, 2016
The Celtics' starting lineup now projects to be Thomas, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Horford and one of several power forwards or centers. Horford has positional versatility to play either big spot.
But then there's Durant. Everyone expected the Thunder star to want to team up with another star, whether it was Russell Westbrook or Stephen Curry or Chris Paul. Now the Celtics have one, along with a coach the entire league raves about.
This could be another moment for the most decorated franchise in NBA history.
