Al Horford's free agency situation remains a total mystery which is very Al Horford
A handful of NBA teams have expressed interest in Al Horford, but it’s not totally clear what team is Horford’s favorite. This is all very Al Horford, one of the more understated talents in the NBA.
The Sacramento Kings are prepared to make a significant free agency push for Horford, but he intends to sign elsewhere, according to The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Horford’s mystery team remains, well, a mystery. In fact, he seems to be mulling interest from multiple mystery teams, according to The Boston Globe’s Adam Himmelsbach.
In the NBA, the fickle nature of stars is often reported at every twist and turn. A player wants in — then he wants out. And everyone knows about it. Horford, however, seems to have his sites set on one team, and he’s made sure to conceal information about that one team.
This latest report sent NBA reporters and writers for a whirl.
Horford’s free agency process has involved a few curveballs, most notably the fact that he decided he wouldn’t return to the Celtics — even if that may not be totally true. The Celtics and Horford discussed his return, but the center was prepared to move on and find a new deal and a new team in free agency, per ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. However, teams are now wondering whether Boston might be back in play, according to The Ringer’s Kevin O’Connor.
So Boston is out (unless it isn’t). Sacramento is ready to provide a huge offer, but Horford reportedly doesn’t want it. New Orleans is also out of the mix. What’s left? Maybe the Indiana Pacers?
This confusion is perfect for Horford, who has always had a quiet but strong presence. His leadership style is hushed. He almost never makes headlines with what he says, which was particularly impressive while riding the Celtics’ sinking ship during last season. And Horford won’t blow anyone away with his statistics, but his contributions are clear for those who watch closely.
His free agency process has been equally mum. Little information has emerged about which teams he likes. And while he’s not the highest-profile player who will hit the market on Sunday evening, Horford could prove to be a game-changer on a championship contender next season.
But where will that be? Only Horford seems to know.