The Washington Wizards are one of the favorites to sign free agent center Al Horford according to various sources. Horford, who played for the Atlanta Hawks last season, is also considering the Boston Celtics and plans to decide by Saturday night. The four-time All-Star is seeking a four-year, $113 million max contract to play elsewhere, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical.
Days in "Hotlanta" numbered?
The former Florida Gator considered a return to the Hawks or signing with the Houston Rockets at one point. According to Wojnarowski, a return to Atlanta is unlikely but not out of the question: “Horford, a four-time All-Star, could only return to the Hawks if he decided to take the team’s most recent offer and the franchise made a series of moves to clear the necessary salary-cap space – an option that has become increasingly remote, league sources said.” David Aldridge wrote on Twitter (h/t The Vertical) that Washington met secretly with Horford, pitching the prospect of playing with Bradley Beal and John Wall as their “core”.
Horford and the Hawks negotiated a possible five-year contract,more than any other team can offer, but talks stalled. In the meantime, Atlanta re-signed three-and-D guard Kent Bazemore to a four-year, $70 million deal and paid Dwight Howard $70.5 million over the next three years to play in his hometown. The Howard signing opens the door for Horford’s exit.
Steady production for team that gets Horford
Last season, Horford started all 82 games for the Hawks, averaging 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.5 blocks per game with a .505/.344/.798 shooting line. Horford played great defense as well finishing eighth in defensive win shares and 15th in defensive box plus-minus; he placed second on the team in both categories to Paul Millsap.
In nine seasons with the Hawks, Horford averaged 14.3 points, 8.9 boards and 2.7 assists per game with a .535/.340/.743 shooting line and a 19.1 player efficiency rating.
Of the two teams favored to land the prized big man, Boston has the advantage in lieu of Washington giving Beal a max extension. That said both teams have plenty of room to sign Horford to his desired contract.