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#1 Kyrie's departure didn't affect Horford's decision to leave for the Sixers

Kyrie Irving and Al Horford spent two seasons together with the Celtics

Kyrie Irving left Boston for the Brooklyn Nets during the offseason, although his decision wasn't surprising after he had refused to negotiate a new deal. Nevertheless, the Celtics were hit by a shock departure in the opening hours of free agency as Al Horford completed a stunning move to the Philadelphia 76ers.

Horford has since stated he left Boston due to his desire to compete for a title, although the 33-year-old told Steve Bulpett that his decision was not impacted by Irving's departure:

I'm not sure that has anything to do with it for me. I just think that if Kyrie would have stayed, I don’t know if it would have worked. There would have had to be some major changes as far as players, because it was just clear that the group that we had just wasn’t going to be able to coexist.

The Celtics' 2018-19 season was marred by rumors of locker room tension and Irving frequently criticised his young teammates to the national press. The point guard will now link up with DeAndre Jordan and Kevin Durant in Brooklyn, while Horford will contend for a title with the Sixers.