The New York Knicks made a significant upgrade to their roster before the 2024-25 season by acquiring five-time All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite Towns averaging an impressive 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in his first season with the Knicks, the team fell short of reaching the NBA Finals. As they look to bolster their depth at the center position, the Knicks may turn to someone with whom Towns has a close relationship.
Knicks Eyeing Veteran Center Al Horford in Free Agency
According to NBA insider Ian Begley, the Knicks are expected to check in on Boston Celtics veteran center Al Horford once he becomes a free agent. Begley wrote, “I think the Knicks will also at least check in on Horford’s situation in Boston. The Celtics shed salary by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, and they certainly want Horford back, but are limited in what they can offer the veteran big man.”
Ian Begley: “I think the Knicks will also at least check in on Al Horford’s situation…As an aside: Horford has a close relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns”
More from Ian Begley on free agents & coaches ⬇️ https://t.co/YefJLWvyyz pic.twitter.com/MXzhrDiekE
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) June 28, 2025
Begley also highlighted the additional incentive for the Knicks to pursue Horford, noting, “Just as an aside: Horford has a close relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns.” The two have been long-time friends and teammates on the Dominican national team.
Horford’s Uncertain Future with the Celtics
Horford, who signed a max contract with the Celtics in 2016, has been a key contributor during his seven seasons in Boston, including playing a crucial role in their 2024 championship run. However, the Celtics’ challenging salary cap situation and significant injuries, such as Jayson Tatum’s season-ending Achilles rupture in the 2024-25 season, have made Horford’s future with the team uncertain.
The Celtics’ recent trades, including dealing away Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis, have left them thin at the center position. While they added University of Kentucky big man Amari Williams with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, he projects more as a rotational player in his rookie season. This could pressure Boston to prioritize retaining Horford.
Horford’s Ageless Performance
Despite being 39 years old, Horford’s on-court performance belies his age. In the 2024-25 season, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists per game while shooting 42.3% from the field and 36.3% from beyond the arc. His veteran presence and leadership would be valuable assets for any team, especially one with championship aspirations like the Knicks.
As the offseason unfolds, the Knicks will likely keep a close eye on Horford’s situation in Boston. If he becomes available, New York could emerge as a top destination for the veteran center, given his close relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns and the team’s need for depth at the position.
