ESPN LAST NEWS: Touch down few minutes ago: In a jaw-dropping turn of events, the Boston Celtics National basketball Association NBA community
* [Reuters](https://www.reuters.com/sports/agent-al-horford-sign-multiyear-deal-with-warriors-2025-09-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [CelticsBlog](https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/121958/neemias-queta-looks-to-become-new-voice-for-the-celtics?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [CelticsBlog](https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/121907/theres-no-pressure-jayson-tatum-unfazed-by-urgency-to-return-to-celtics?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Sun](https://www.the-sun.com/sport/15264423/nba-champion-al-horford-warriors/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
* [The Times of India](https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/love-your-brother-al-horfords-sister-anna-horfords-farewell-post-left-boston-celtics-fans-with-teary-eyes/articleshow/124203984.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com)
“Touch down few minutes ago” — here’s what’s making waves right now around the Boston Celtics in the NBA world (based on the latest ESPN / credible reports) …
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## 🚨 Big Move: Al Horford to Warriors
In a major roster shakeup, veteran center **Al Horford**, who spent seven seasons with Boston including their 2024 title run, has **verbally agreed** to a multi‑year deal with the **Golden State Warriors**, per his agent and ESPN reporting. ([Reuters][1])
* The deal is still pending finalization, partly due to unresolved contract negotiations involving restricted free agent **Jonathan Kuminga**. ([Reuters][1])
* Horford’s move marks an emotional departure from Boston, where he was a respected leader and versatile big man. ([The Times of India][2])
This signals a shift in Boston’s frontcourt identity and a boost for Golden State’s veteran core.
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## 🔄 Celtics in Transition: Roster & Leadership Shakeups
With Horford’s exit and other roster changes, the Celtics are entering a transitional phase:
* **Neemias Queta**, a younger frontcourt player, is showing early signs of stepping into a leadership role. He’s expressed intentions to be a voice for the team and help galvanize the younger core. ([CelticsBlog][3])
* Meanwhile, **Jayson Tatum** continues his recovery from a ruptured Achilles tendon. He’s not rushing his return and says he feels no external pressure—Boston is being cautious, given how catastrophic that injury can be. ([CelticsBlog][4])
* Among the challenges: Boston must adapt without Horford’s steady presence, while navigating uncertainty around Tatum’s timeline. ([CelticsBlog][3])
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## ⏳ Looking Back: 2024–25 & Playoff Exit Impact
To fully grasp the current moment, here’s how Boston got here:
* The Celtics entered 2024–25 as defending champions (having won their record 18th title in 2024). ([ESPN.com][5])
* They had a strong season (61–21) and took the Atlantic Division. ([Wikipedia][6])
* But in the Eastern Conference Semifinals, they were surprisingly eliminated by the **New York Knicks in 6 games**. Boston was hampered by Tatum’s Achilles injury and the underperformance of **Kristaps Porziņģis** (who battled illness and inconsistency) in the series. ([ESPN][7])
* This exit has forced Boston to confront questions about sustainability, roster balance, and how to build around a recovering star. ([ESPN][7])
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## 🔮 What’s Next for Boston?
Here are key questions and possibilities for what lies ahead:
| Question | Stakes / Possible Outcomes |
| ———————————————— | ———————————————————————————————————- |
| **How will Boston replace Horford’s influence?** | They will need a new interior presence, defensive anchor, and locker room leader. |
| **When and how will Tatum return?** | Any misstep could hamper his long-term career; Boston must balance patience and competitiveness. |
| **Which young players will rise?** | Queta’s emergence is one storyline; others like Derrick White, Jaylen Brown, and new signees must step up. |
| **Will there be more roster changes?** | Likely — Boston may retool via trade or free agency to align with a new direction. |
| **What will the new ownership do?** | Since the team is changing hands, investment priorities and philosophy could shift. |
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Boston is at a pivotal inflection point. The 2024 championship was a high watermark. Now, with veteran departures, a star recovering, and new leadership needed, how the Celtics navigate it will define their trajectory over the next few seasons.
If you like, I can pull up **ESPN’s latest full report(s)** (with quotes, reactions) or a breakdown of how this will affect their 2025–26 odds. Want me to fetch that?
[1]: https://www.reuters.com/sports/agent-al-horford-sign-multiyear-deal-with-warriors-2025-09-28/?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Agent: Al Horford to sign multiyear deal with Warriors”
[2]: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/nba/top-stories/love-your-brother-al-horfords-sister-anna-horfords-farewell-post-left-boston-celtics-fans-with-teary-eyes/articleshow/124203984.cms?utm_source=chatgpt.com “\”Love your brother\” – Al Horford’s sister Anna Horford’s farewell post left Boston Celtics fans with teary eyes”
[3]: https://www.celticsblog.com/articles/121958/neemias-queta-looks-to-become-new-voice-for-the-celtics?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Neemias Queta looks to become new voice for the Celtics”
[4]: