Al Horford has struggled to find his footing with the Golden State Warriors this season, largely due to injury. However, his rough season could open up a dream scenario in which the Warriors buy him out, giving him a pathway to re-sign with the Celtics this season. That said, some may not be on board with that plan.

For the last four years, Horford was at the core of everything the Celtics have done. He was the backbone of their defense, a crucial offensive floor-spacer, and a leader in the locker room. But this summer, he decided to leave the Celtics in favor of San Francisco, inking a two-year contract (with a player option in the second season).

But it hasn’t gone well.

Celtics could pursue Al Horford buyout if Warriors go that route

Still, the Horford the Celtics know is unlike the player who has taken the floor for Golden State this year. And they could still use him.

It seems highly unlikely that the Warriors would buy out Horford, and even more unlikely that the Celtics would sign him if they did.

However, adding Horford would absolutely help the Celtics’ center room. He would give them a great backup center behind Neemias Queta. A vocal leader and someone who knows what it takes to win.

And if they could land him on a minimum contract post buyout (in line with around when Jayson Tatum could potentially return), it could be a perfect storm.

That said, Horford just left the Celtics in free agency for the second time in his career, and he hasn’t been having a great season in Golden State. After leaving twice, what would his reception be if he came back a third time?

Right now, Horford is dealing with a back injury. He has only appeared in one of the Warriors’ last seven games, and he has yet to play in five games in a row for Golden State.

And when he has been on the floor, the same help he provided Boston with for the past four years. His shooting has been way off all year, which hasn’t been ideal for the Warriors.

So far this year, Horford has appeared in 13 games for the Warriors, playing 21.5 minutes per contest, the lowest number of his entire career.

In those appearances, Horford has averaged 5.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals, and 1.0 blocks while shooting a brutal 32.1% from the floor and 29.8% from deep on 4.4 three-point attempts per game.

Perhaps Horford could turn it around in Boston (however unlikely the concept is), but the question is, would the Celtics want him?