However, unfortunately, this is a business at the end of the day, and Horford might decide that it's better if he walks away from the Celtics again. It didn't go as planned for him the first time, but he's in a much different stage of his career now, and will likely only play another NBA season, if that.

While they have also considered more aggressive cost-cutting moves, which would position them to avoid the luxury tax next season, according to league sources, Stevens suggested he will only opt for such a strategy if he can do so without trading away significant draft capital.