The NBA world wakes up today, with activities around experienced big guys Al Horfordhe has become one of the most attractive free agent targets in the summer. Several competitive teams, including the Denver Nuggets, the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks, reportedly attempting to sign Horford to leave the Boston Celtics.
According to league insiders, Horford’s Michael Scotto said Horford “has received interest from several competitive teams since the start of free agents, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers.”
Al Horford has received interest from several competing teams since the start of free agents, including the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, New York Knicks, Denver Nuggets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Los Angeles Lakers, league sources told HoopShype.
Why Horford needs it
Horford’s 39-year-old is no longer his offensive force, but his value lies in his versatility, basketball IQ and leadership. Last season in Boston, he averaged 9.0 points, 6.2 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game, about 28 minutes per game, while the court shot 42.3% from the field and more than 36.3% from the arc. He is still one of the few senior big guys who can defend, space and play at a high level.
1. Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets lost Michael Porter Jr. in a deal to the Brooklyn Nets to earn Cam Johnson in return and hope to fall behind in frontfield depths in Nikola Jokic and Aaron Gordon. In this case, Horford represents an experienced, reliable backup (or occasional starter) that can anchor a second unit in the playoffs.
2. Los Angeles Lakers
The Lakers urgently need to rotate big men. Horford is one of the few quality veterans on the market as Clint Capela and Brook Lopez left the board. Some people think he is the most realistic short-term mentor to LeBron James and Luka Doncic, providing wisdom among the five to grop through their cap limits. The Lakers may pursue Horford with a minimum trade year by year, which coincides with their broader financial strategy.
3. New York Knicks
New York may not have the hat flexibility to chase big names, but the group reportedly designated Horford as a potential frontcourt upgrade for a low-cost contract. After clearing the waiver, defender Jordan Clarkson is expected to join with a senior minimum contract, which will retain the Knicks’ intermediate exception, possibly Horford.
Other interested teams
The Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers also merged firmly. The Warriors look at a veteran stretch center, viewing Horford as their preferred target if financial manipulation (such as uninstalling Jonathan Kumingga) can clear the hat space. Meanwhile, Cleveland has already operated under a second apron and can only offer senior minimum deals, but considers Horford a quality rotation next to Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen.
Celtic views and internal issues
The Celtics earned a key salary in the offseason – traded Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis and signed Luka Garza to second place under the second-paying salary cap apron. Their financial flexibility is limited and they can retain Horford and Luke Coent. Boston reportedly wanted to re-sign Horford, but his decision could not be made until the free agents were fully in progress.
“Our priority is undoubtedly to bring Al and Luke back…but ultimately, it’s their call,” the Celtic said internally. If both go away, their frontcourt depth could extend to near the breakout point.
What’s next
- Horford’s decision-making schedule: He is expected to take the time to weigh the options and will most likely not be chosen on the opening night of free agents.
- Contract expectations: Most interested teams may be reaching a minimum senior deal for Horford. Few people can offer more without exceeding the luxury tax threshold.
- Team fit: Each contender brings a different profile – Denver wants depth, Los Angeles’ size, New York’s longing veteran finish, Golden State needs a floor-space center, while Cleveland seeks bench rotation stability.
- Salary cap limit: Boston may have to let him go because of financial necessity, while the Lakers and the Knicks have to juggle the space carefully if they want to add him.
in conclusion
The Nuggets, the Lakers and the Knicks (including others) pursue Al Horford. Unless the Celtics can reconfigure the block table, it seems likely that his departure from Boston will be able to sign his hat, he can win a reliable veteran who can still contribute on and off the court.
Keep an eye on this legend in the days to come, which is becoming one of the most watched free agent storylines in the summer.
