Al Horford to become free agent after not exercising contract option

Boston Celtics center Al Horford is planning to become an unrestricted free agent this summer, but that does not mean he wants to leave the team.

ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports that Horford has informed the Celtics he will not opt into the final year and $30.1 million left on his contract. He does, however, remain interested in working out a new deal with Boston.

Boston Celtics center Al Horford will not exercise the $30.1M option on his 2019-20 contract and become an unrestricted free agent, league sources tell ESPN. Horford and the Celtics both have interest in working toward a new deal in July, sources tell ESPN.

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 18, 2019

Horford has provided the Celtics with a consistent veteran presence since he signed with them in 2016, and they may need him more than ever next season if Kyrie Irving leaves. There have been indications that Horford could agree to a team-friendly contract with Boston, but that may depend on what the Celtics plan to do in free agency.