Boston Celtics Frontline Prefer To Stay in Beantown Despite Heartbreaking Exit

AL Horford — Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics looks on during the second half of Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Semifinals during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts, May 6, 2019. Getty Images/Maddie Meyer

Being one of the favorite teams for the 2018-19 NBA season, it comes as no surprise that there are a lot of sad and shocked fans to learn that the Boston Celtics have been eliminated from the NBA playoffs. Seeing how the Celtics managed to reach the Eastern Conference finals last year with practically the same core, it does come a bit of a surprise.

But of course, there were big differences and most of it may not really be the Celtics fault. They were up against a hungry team in the Milwaukee Bucks five. Giannis Antetokounmpo was his usual self but his teammates stepped up too. That includes the likes of Malcolm Brogdon, Khris Middleton, Eric Bledsoe, George Hill and Nikola Mirotic, all of whom contributed to the cause.

Kyrie Irving has taken his share of the blame with critics lashing out at his leadership, but it seems the whole team lacked the spirit to win. As mentioned in a previous post, head coach Brad Stevens could not explain the whole thing but nevertheless took the blame for the fall. Looking ahead, however, the case may be different.

Al Horford, on if he wants to stay with #Celtics: "It's something I haven't stopped to think about but, yes. I've enjoyed being in Boston. Just have to wait and see what we're gonna do with the team and the steps management's gonna do going forward and continue to get better."
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) May 9, 2019

Al Horford and Marcus Morris are heading into the offseason with decisions to make. Horford can opt out of his contract with the Celtics and test the free agent market if he wants to. But from the way he sounded off on his Twitter account, it seems like he would love to stay in Beantown if he is still welcome, NESN reported.

Marcus Morris on his free agent future: "Obviously I love being here in Boston. I've enjoyed it a lot and hopefully I stay here. It's a great organization, nothing but great for me being able to play on that stage. I've enjoyed my time." #Celtics
— Adam Kaufman (@AdamMKaufman) May 9, 2019

On the other end is Marcus Morris who will become a restricted free agent. Similar to Horford, it looks like 29-year-old forward wants to return next year. So while other Celtics are allegedly opting out, the best Ainge could do is preserve these two bangers and see who else wants to stay.

However, there may be a hindrance to that preference of both players. He goes by the name of Anthony Davis - someone Ainge alleged last NBA season he would pursue this summer. This alters a lot of things, particularly the team budget. Taking in the 6-foot-10 center could mean lesser money for Horford and/or Morris and this is something that could alter their interest. Ainge and his team will have a busy offseason ahead, figuring out who comes and who goes.

Twitter NBA