Free Agent/Trade/Waiver Thread, 2025-26, part 2

[redslastlaugh]

Horford multi-year, oakland.
Guess there are a lot of things we dont know, doesnt make any sense for me.
If he wanted to play more than one year, guess staying in boston and wait for tatum recovery made all the sense.
So im sure of one thing. I know nothing.

To me it appears it was the Celtics decision not to bring him back which is more evidence the C's plan to be under the tax by the deadline.

Brad Stevens said that he made an offer the Horford early on, but Horford hadn't responded.
I think that Al is making a mistake by leaving.

Celtics would have been in a much better position, if Horford stayed.
Good Luck to him, though.

He was/is always a consummate professional.

For sure, Brad said at the post drafter presser, just before FA, that re-signing both Al and Luke was a priority. I'm sure Brad made an offer to both but was limited in what he could offer. It looks like SAS and GSW just offered more

[Shak_Celts]

Love Al to the ends, but now, I NEED US to go farther than GSW!

Now I gotta sing “Miss My Homies” game 1!

[celtxman]

To me it appears it was the Celtics decision not to bring him back which is more evidence the C's plan to be under the tax by the deadline.

Brad Stevens said that he made an offer the Horford early on, but Horford hadn't responded.
I think that Al is making a mistake by leaving.

Celtics would have been in a much better position, if Horford stayed.
Good Luck to him, though.

He was/is always a consummate professional.

For sure, Brad said at the post drafter presser, just before FA, that re-signing both Al and Luke was a priority. I'm sure Brad made an offer to both but was limited in what he could offer. It looks like SAS and GSW just offered more

Exactly. It was about the money. That isn't necessarily a bad thing...YET. In the complicated world of these apron trades it takes time. If we don't have a championship contender whenever Tatum comes back, it will be time for reckoning.

[Hal14]

Strange move from Horford. The Warriors have a 2nd Round ceiling. With Tatum likely back this season, I would honestly expect the Celtics to advance further in the East.

That's not likely. Brad has said there is no timeline for Tatum's return.

With Horford, Draymond, Steph, Butler, Podz, Hield, etc. the Warriors are likely a top 10 team in the league. Amd Horford is slated to be their starting center.

Every other team in the top 10:
a) doesn't want horford and
b) can't offer him a starting position

Celtics are not a top 10 team in the league. They're probably top 20.

I'd probably put them somewhere in the 13-18 range.

I'd put the Warriors (with Horford added, along with Melton, Payton, etc.) in like the 6-10 range.

Vets win in the playoffs..guys with playoff experience and NBA finals experience win in the playoffs. No one has more of it than Steph, Kerr, Butler, Draymond, Horford and Payton II..

Plus it's better weathe in California than Boston..

[bucknersrevenge]

I know some would feel better about this team if we had been able to keep Luke or even Al, but I'm all set on load managing a 39 year old this season, as much as I love Al. It's time. So I have no hard feelings about him leaving. Surprised about the multi-year deal but it's fine. I know Al's been receiving a little backlash due to the idea that he keeps leaving when struggle hits this team but for me this time is different. As far as I'm concerned, he got us Banner 19 and I was ready to move on this time with some younger players.

As for Luke, I dunno if this is a weird idea but does anyone else feel like we kinda "built" Luke? I mean, as recent as the beginning of last season people laughed about the idea of Luke being our 3rd center. But we coached him up here with our staff. We upskilled him. We put him in positions that best benefit the skills he had to use them most effectively. We surrounded him with excellent teammates. I mean Tatum probably deserves 1/3 of his next contract for what he did for Luke. Another 1/3 could go to the coaching staff. The culture here, breeds player development at varying levels here.

I just look at Neemy's raw traits and Luka, offensive talents and see good lumps of clay to do the same things as they did with Luke, and make possibly even better players. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility here at all and am looking forwards to not having to load manage our bigs anymore. Sure, maybe both don't hit but I see what Brad likes in them and why both deserve a shot to see if they can be more.

[djFan71]

I know some would feel better about this team if we had been able to keep Luke or even Al, but I'm all set on load managing a 39 year old this season, as much as I love Al. It's time. So I have no hard feelings about him leaving. Surprised about the multi-year deal but it's fine. I know Al's been receiving a little backlash due to the idea that he keeps leaving when struggle hits this team but for me this time is different. As far as I'm concerned, he got us Banner 19 and I was ready to move on this time with some younger players.

As for Luke, I dunno if this is a weird idea but does anyone else feel like we kinda "built" Luke? I mean, as recent as the beginning of last season people laughed about the idea of Luke being our 3rd center. But we coached him up here with our staff. We upskilled him. We put him in positions that best benefit the skills he had to use them most effectively. We surrounded him with excellent teammates. I mean Tatum probably deserves 1/3 of his next contract for what he did for Luke. Another 1/3 could go to the coaching staff. The culture here, breeds player development at varying levels here. More wistful what-if-idness than anything.

I just look at Neemy's raw traits and Luka, offensive talents and see good lumps of clay to do the same things as they did with Luke, and make possibly even better players. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility here at all and am looking forwards to not having to load manage our bigs anymore. Sure, maybe both don't hit but I see what Brad likes in them and why both deserve a shot to see if they can be more.

We definitely built Luke, which is kinda why it sucks to see him go for a relatively cheap deal. Doesn’t even matter who started - him or Queta - but just having multiple dudes. I’m assuming Queta is a big rotation guy in the keep Luke scenario either way.

I’m definitely more on board with Al going, I wouldn’t have gone nearly as high in his deal as Luke’s.

Garza, I’m open but it took years to build Luke. If it takes that long with Luka, we still need someone else before he’s ready. Hopefully he is a revelation. Most likely we gotta make a move for another big by next season, though.

Not reeeeeaalllyyyy complaining as I get the $ and timing of it all. But Luke, Queta, Boucher is a good, cheap set of bigs to roll with.

[SuperDeluxe]

Old friend Anton Watson is signing an exhibit-10 contract with the Lakers.

[IBleed4Green]

I think Horford made a mistake. Yeah he will get a few more dollars, but he had something special here. Now he has left twice for more money. I predict Boston will finish with a better record than the Warriors. The Warriors might not even make the playoffs in the west. And as far fetched as it might seem, if Tatum does come back, I can see them getting back to the finals in the east.

[redslastlaugh]

I think Horford made a mistake. Yeah he will get a few more dollars, but he had something special here. Now he has left twice for more money. I predict Boston will finish with a better record than the Warriors. The Warriors might not even make the playoffs in the west. And as far fetched as it might seem, if Tatum does come back, I can see them getting back to the finals in the east.

You wonder if Al felt disrespected when KP came in and got a $30 million a year extension after Al had signed a $10 million extension.

Of course Al ended up playing the main center minutes for the title team. It's a huge success, and afterwards Coach Mazzulla gets an extension, JT, White, Sam Hauser get extensions, the owners cash out for billions and basically everybody is making out big time ... & then Al gets offered the veterans minimum or whatever

And Al is just like, "I was already playing for a discount on $10 and now everyone else got these HUGE rewards for this accomplishment, except me."

Obviously, I am speculating, but everyone involved with the Celts these last couple years made out better than Al financially and maybe he was offended. Who knows

[Fierce1]

I think Horford made a mistake. Yeah he will get a few more dollars, but he had something special here. Now he has left twice for more money. I predict Boston will finish with a better record than the Warriors. The Warriors might not even make the playoffs in the west. And as far fetched as it might seem, if Tatum does come back, I can see them getting back to the finals in the east.

You wonder if Al felt disrespected when KP came in and got a $30 million a year extension after Al had signed a $10 million extension.

Of course Al ended up playing the main center minutes for the title team. It's a huge success, and afterwards Coach Mazzulla gets an extension, JT, White, Sam Hauser get extensions, the owners cash out for billions and basically everybody is making out big time ... & then Al gets offered the veterans minimum or whatever

And Al is just like, "I was already playing for a discount on $10 and now everyone else got these HUGE rewards for this accomplishment, except me."

Obviously, I am speculating, but everyone involved with the Celts these last couple years made out better than Al financially and maybe he was offended. Who knows

That's plausible.

Al has 5 children, so there's really some truth to it being about the money.

[celtxman]

I think Horford made a mistake. Yeah he will get a few more dollars, but he had something special here. Now he has left twice for more money. I predict Boston will finish with a better record than the Warriors. The Warriors might not even make the playoffs in the west. And as far fetched as it might seem, if Tatum does come back, I can see them getting back to the finals in the east.

You wonder if Al felt disrespected when KP came in and got a $30 million a year extension after Al had signed a $10 million extension.

Of course Al ended up playing the main center minutes for the title team. It's a huge success, and afterwards Coach Mazzulla gets an extension, JT, White, Sam Hauser get extensions, the owners cash out for billions and basically everybody is making out big time ... & then Al gets offered the veterans minimum or whatever

And Al is just like, "I was already playing for a discount on $10 and now everyone else got these HUGE rewards for this accomplishment, except me."

Obviously, I am speculating, but everyone involved with the Celts these last couple years made out better than Al financially and maybe he was offended. Who knows

That's plausible.

Al has 5 children, so there's really some truth to it being about the money.

Al has made $289 million in his career. I think that's called generational wealth.. I don't think he'll be looking at the food stamp program for his kids in Golden State.
What's more is that we forget he was rescued by the Celtics from a tanking OKC team. The contract he signed with Philly was arguably the 2nd worst in the NBA - so bad that they dumped him to OKC, who proceeded to tell him to not play basketball, to go home and play with his kids. But Al was fortunate that the Celtics had the worst contract in the NBA in Kemba Walker. There was still talk of letting him go after he started playing well because the last season of a clause in his contract where the Celtics could save around $10 million if they released him( good thing Chisholm wasn't the owner then, lol.)
The number that Hoopshype has listed for Horford's Golden State contract is 2 years $7.5 million. I'm not sure if I'm more upset with the Celtics, Horford, or both.

[Fierce1]

You wonder if Al felt disrespected when KP came in and got a $30 million a year extension after Al had signed a $10 million extension.

Of course Al ended up playing the main center minutes for the title team. It's a huge success, and afterwards Coach Mazzulla gets an extension, JT, White, Sam Hauser get extensions, the owners cash out for billions and basically everybody is making out big time ... & then Al gets offered the veterans minimum or whatever

And Al is just like, "I was already playing for a discount on $10 and now everyone else got these HUGE rewards for this accomplishment, except me."

Obviously, I am speculating, but everyone involved with the Celts these last couple years made out better than Al financially and maybe he was offended. Who knows

That's plausible.

Al has 5 children, so there's really some truth to it being about the money.

Al has made $289 million in his career. I think that's called generational wealth.. I don't think he'll be looking at the food stamp program for his kids in Golden State.
What's more is that we forget he was rescued by the Celtics from a tanking OKC team. The contract he signed with Philly was arguably the 2nd worst in the NBA - so bad that they dumped him to OKC, who proceeded to tell him to not play basketball, to go home and play with his kids. But Al was fortunate that the Celtics had the worst contract in the NBA in Kemba Walker. There was still talk of letting him go after he started playing well because the last season of a clause in his contract where the Celtics could save around $10 million if they released him( good thing Chisholm wasn't the owner then, lol.)
The number that Hoopshype has listed for Horford's Golden State contract is 2 years $7.5 million. I'm not sure if I'm more upset with the Celtics, Horford, or both.

Hoopshype is wrong.

Al will be getting the full MLE at 14m for the 1st year of the deal.

[ThePigeon]

That's plausible.

Al has 5 children, so there's really some truth to it being about the money.

Al has made $289 million in his career. I think that's called generational wealth.. I don't think he'll be looking at the food stamp program for his kids in Golden State.
What's more is that we forget he was rescued by the Celtics from a tanking OKC team. The contract he signed with Philly was arguably the 2nd worst in the NBA - so bad that they dumped him to OKC, who proceeded to tell him to not play basketball, to go home and play with his kids. But Al was fortunate that the Celtics had the worst contract in the NBA in Kemba Walker. There was still talk of letting him go after he started playing well because the last season of a clause in his contract where the Celtics could save around $10 million if they released him( good thing Chisholm wasn't the owner then, lol.)
The number that Hoopshype has listed for Horford's Golden State contract is 2 years $7.5 million. I'm not sure if I'm more upset with the Celtics, Horford, or both.

Hoopshype is wrong.

Al will be getting the full MLE at 14m for the 1st year of the deal.

If this is true - it is a dumb signing by the Warriors. Al is not worth this kind of money under the current CBA
Should have stayed for the minimum, groom the young guys and become part of the coaching staff in the future

Leaving twice for more money (arguably when the team becomes worse) makes you a mercenary, not a fan favorite

[brackdan70]

Al has made $289 million in his career. I think that's called generational wealth.. I don't think he'll be looking at the food stamp program for his kids in Golden State.
What's more is that we forget he was rescued by the Celtics from a tanking OKC team. The contract he signed with Philly was arguably the 2nd worst in the NBA - so bad that they dumped him to OKC, who proceeded to tell him to not play basketball, to go home and play with his kids. But Al was fortunate that the Celtics had the worst contract in the NBA in Kemba Walker. There was still talk of letting him go after he started playing well because the last season of a clause in his contract where the Celtics could save around $10 million if they released him( good thing Chisholm wasn't the owner then, lol.)
The number that Hoopshype has listed for Horford's Golden State contract is 2 years $7.5 million. I'm not sure if I'm more upset with the Celtics, Horford, or both.

Hoopshype is wrong.

Al will be getting the full MLE at 14m for the 1st year of the deal.

If this is true - it is a dumb signing by the Warriors. Al is not worth this kind of money under the current CBA
Should have stayed for the minimum, groom the young guys and become part of the coaching staff in the future

Leaving twice for more money (arguably when the team becomes worse) makes you a mercenary, not a fan favorite

For the full MLE they have to stay under the tax right?
I don’t think they can use the full MLE and accomplish that. They have 17m in room before signing Payton, Melton, Santos, Horford, Kuminga.
Edit: under the first apron.

[celtxman]

That's plausible.

Al has 5 children, so there's really some truth to it being about the money.

Al has made $289 million in his career. I think that's called generational wealth.. I don't think he'll be looking at the food stamp program for his kids in Golden State.
What's more is that we forget he was rescued by the Celtics from a tanking OKC team. The contract he signed with Philly was arguably the 2nd worst in the NBA - so bad that they dumped him to OKC, who proceeded to tell him to not play basketball, to go home and play with his kids. But Al was fortunate that the Celtics had the worst contract in the NBA in Kemba Walker. There was still talk of letting him go after he started playing well because the last season of a clause in his contract where the Celtics could save around $10 million if they released him( good thing Chisholm wasn't the owner then, lol.)
The number that Hoopshype has listed for Horford's Golden State contract is 2 years $7.5 million. I'm not sure if I'm more upset with the Celtics, Horford, or both.

Hoopshype is wrong.

Al will be getting the full MLE at 14m for the 1st year of the deal.

Jeez I hope so

[Fierce1]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/al-horford-reportedly-agrees-multi-183354294.html

Exactly what Horford's new contract looks like still depends on how the Kuminga situation plays out (as Keith Smith of Spotrac explains). If Kuminga picks up the $8 million qualifying offer, Golden State can give Horford the full mid-level exception ($14.1 million this year, with raises after), hardcapping the Warriors at the first apron of the luxury tax.

[celtxman]

https://sports.yahoo.com/article/al-horford-reportedly-agrees-multi-183354294.html

Exactly what Horford's new contract looks like still depends on how the Kuminga situation plays out (as Keith Smith of Spotrac explains). If Kuminga picks up the $8 million qualifying offer, Golden State can give Horford the full mid-level exception ($14.1 million this year, with raises after), hardcapping the Warriors at the first apron of the luxury tax.

I'm sure that Hoopshype is low ( who knows why they listed it) but it comes down to Kuminga. So only Horford and the Warriors know.

[djFan71]

I know some would feel better about this team if we had been able to keep Luke or even Al, but I'm all set on load managing a 39 year old this season, as much as I love Al. It's time. So I have no hard feelings about him leaving. Surprised about the multi-year deal but it's fine. I know Al's been receiving a little backlash due to the idea that he keeps leaving when struggle hits this team but for me this time is different. As far as I'm concerned, he got us Banner 19 and I was ready to move on this time with some younger players.

As for Luke, I dunno if this is a weird idea but does anyone else feel like we kinda "built" Luke? I mean, as recent as the beginning of last season people laughed about the idea of Luke being our 3rd center. But we coached him up here with our staff. We upskilled him. We put him in positions that best benefit the skills he had to use them most effectively. We surrounded him with excellent teammates. I mean Tatum probably deserves 1/3 of his next contract for what he did for Luke. Another 1/3 could go to the coaching staff. The culture here, breeds player development at varying levels here. More wistful what-if-idness than anything.

I just look at Neemy's raw traits and Luka, offensive talents and see good lumps of clay to do the same things as they did with Luke, and make possibly even better players. I don't think it's out of the realm of possibility here at all and am looking forwards to not having to load manage our bigs anymore. Sure, maybe both don't hit but I see what Brad likes in them and why both deserve a shot to see if they can be more.

We definitely built Luke, which is kinda why it sucks to see him go for a relatively cheap deal. Doesn’t even matter who started - him or Queta - but just having multiple dudes. I’m assuming Queta is a big rotation guy in the keep Luke scenario either way.

I’m definitely more on board with Al going, I wouldn’t have gone nearly as high in his deal as Luke’s.

Garza, I’m open but it took years to build Luke. If it takes that long with Luka, we still need someone else before he’s ready. Hopefully he is a revelation. Most likely we gotta make a move for another big by next season, though.

Not reeeeeaalllyyyy complaining as I get the $ and timing of it all. But Luke, Queta, Boucher is a good, cheap set of bigs to roll with.

DWhite singled out Luka when he got pressed to pick someone:

Watch on YouTube

[Shak_Celts]

Old friend Anton Watson is signing an exhibit-10 contract with the Lakers.

Say it ain’t so!! Haha this is because I had hopes for him, the universe is so petty!

[Fierce1]

Remember the last time Horford left the Cs for Philly then the Cs gave a scoring guard, Kemba, the max, and signed a FA Center, Kanter, that was only good at scoring and rebounding?

The Cs went to the ECF that season.

This season the Cs lost Horford in FA, traded for a dynamic scoring guard in Simons, and signed a Center, Garza, who's a scorer and a rebounder.