Report: Celtics looking to trade Horford while pursuing other centers
The Boston Celtics are exploring trades involving veteran big man Al Horford as they look to revamp their frontcourt with another center, The Athletic's Jared Weiss reports.
Boston acquired Horford in June from the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for Kemba Walker and the 16th overall selection in the 2021 draft. The Thunder eventually used the pick to take Turkish big man Alperen Sengun, who was then moved to the Rockets on draft night.
The former Florida star is in his second stint with Boston. Horford previously suited up for the Celtics in three seasons from 2016 to 2019 before rejoining the club in 2021.
Horford, 35, is averaging 10.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.6 assists through 36 appearances. He's notably struggled with his outside shot, putting up a 28.5% efficiency rate on 4.2 3-point attempts per game.
He's earning $27 million this campaign but only has $14.5 million of his $26.5 million salary guaranteed for 2022-23, which could make him more enticing to prospective suitors.
Additionally, Boston is including wing Josh Richardson in trade discussions, according to Weiss. Richardson has posted 10.1 points across 33 games and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer.