How Celtics’ Brad Stevens Plans To Proceed With Key Free Agents

The Boston Celtics already traded a pair of impactful contributors in Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. But the cuts might go even deeper with Al Horford and Luke Kornet scheduled to hit the open market.

Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens hopes the organization will be able to retain both Horford and Kornet.

“I think the biggest thing is, as you look at the rest of the team and what we’re trying to do, there is no question our priorities would be to bring Al and Luke back,” Stevens told reporters after selecting Hugo Gonzalez in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft on Wednesday night, as transcribed by MassLive’s Brian Robb. “Those guys are huge parts of this organization.”

Unfortunately for Stevens and company, the decision isn’t there’s to make. Both the veteran Horford and the budding Kornet are unrestricted free agents. And Horford, specifically, is expected to have a robust market in free agency.

“They’re going to have, I’m sure, plenty of options all over the place, and that’s well-deserved,” Stevens said. “But I think that would be a priority.

“At the same time, I don’t want to put pressure on them. It’s their call ultimately. But, yeah, we would love to have those guys back.”

The organization and its fans likely will have an answer soon. The league’s legal tampering period begins Monday night before the official start to free agency tips off July 6.