Report: Horford expected to leave Celtics for 4-year deal elsewhere

Al Horford is no longer discussing re-signing with the Boston Celtics on a three-year deal, and is expected instead to pursue a four-year contract elsewhere, sources told the Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett.

The two sides were initially interested in working on a new deal after Horford reportedly declined his $30.1-million player option for next season. However, he and the Celtics were too far apart on the expected yearly amount, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Boston is now inching closer to losing two of its most veteran players after news that Kyrie Irving is reportedly "ghosting" the organization as explores his options in free agency, including his apparent interest in joining the Brooklyn Nets.

This likely shifts the Celtics' focus to their young core led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.

The Celtics are coming off a relatively disappointing campaign in which they kicked off the year as title favorites in the Eastern Conference before faltering for the majority of the season and eventually losing in five games to the Milwaukee Bucks in the second round of the playoffs.

Horford, 33, continues to be an impactful presence on the floor, as he averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in 29 minutes per contest last year.