Report: Celtics' Horford to decline $30.1M option

Boston Celtics forward Al Horford will turn down $30.1 million to return to free agency. Horford has not officially declined his player option in Boston, but ESPN reported Tuesday that he made the decision with a goal of staying put on a reworked deal that brings long-term security and offers the Celtics salary cap flexibility.

The 33-year-old would be able to talk contract with other teams starting June 30. Players can sign, or in Horford's case re-sign, contracts on July 6. Boston could have a dramatically different look in 2019-2020. With point guard Kyrie Irving expected to leave and Gordon Hayward's name in the trade rumor mill, the Celtics are in likely to be in the market for key pieces. Team president Danny Ainge acknowledged discussions took place with the New Orleans Pelicans about Anthony Davis before a trade agreement was reportedly reached with the Los Angeles Lakers last week.