In a nod to its transformative impact, Al Horford’s 2016 free agency signing with the Boston Celtics has been ranked as the 17th-best free agency acquisition of the 21st century by CBS Sports. The ranking, part of a retrospective look at the NBA’s most impactful free agent signings, underscores the pivotal role Horford played in reshaping the Celtics’ trajectory and cementing their status as a perennial contender.
In July 2016, Horford, then a four-time All-Star and one of the league’s premier two-way big men, left the Atlanta Hawks after nine seasons to join the Boston Celtics on a four-year, $113 million contract. The move was a landmark for Boston, which had not landed a free agent of Horford’s caliber in decades. At the time, CBS Sports called it a “power-shifting move in the East,” noting its potential to elevate the Celtics from a scrappy playoff team to a legitimate contender.
Horford’s arrival brought versatility, leadership, and a newfound 3-point shooting ability that meshed perfectly with coach Brad Stevens’ system. During his first stint with Boston (2016-2019), Horford averaged 13.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 4.0 assists per game while shooting 38.1% from beyond the arc, providing spacing and defensive flexibility. His presence helped the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals in 2017 and 2018, laying the groundwork for the franchise’s later success. After a brief departure to Philadelphia and Oklahoma City, Horford returned to Boston in 2021 and played a key role in their 2024 NBA Championship run, starting 42 games in the 2024-25 season and averaging 9.0 points and 6.2 rebounds.
The CBS Sports ranking highlights the long-term significance of Horford’s signing. At the time, Boston was coming off a 48-win season but had lost to Horford’s Hawks in the 2016 playoffs. His decision to join the Celtics, swayed by the passionate TD Garden crowd and the franchise’s storied tradition, marked a turning point. As Horford tweeted after signing, his 18 shamrocks symbolized Boston’s 17 championships and the hope for an 18th, which he helped deliver in 2024.
“Al Horford’s signing in 2016 changed the perception of Boston as a free agent destination,” the CBS Sports ranking noted. “His versatility and leadership accelerated the Celtics’ rebuild, paving the way for stars like Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown to thrive.” The ranking places Horford’s deal among other blockbuster signings, such as LeBron James’ moves to Miami and Cleveland, recognizing its outsized impact relative to its cost.
Horford, now 39 and an unrestricted free agent, faces an uncertain future. With the Celtics navigating salary cap constraints and the loss of key players like Kristaps Porzingis and Luke Kornet, president of basketball operations Brad Stevens has called Horford’s return “unlikely.” Teams like the Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and Atlanta Hawks have reportedly shown interest, though retirement remains an option for the veteran big man.
For Celtics fans, the CBS Sports ranking is a reminder of Horford’s enduring legacy. From his clutch playoff performances to his mentorship of Boston’s young core, Horford’s 2016 signing remains a defining moment in the franchise’s modern era. As the NBA offseason unfolds, the basketball world awaits Horford’s next move, but his place in Celtics history—and in the annals of free agency greatness—is secure.
