Al Horford, who reportedly declined his $30.1 million player option with the Celtics for the 2019-20 season, is drawing interest from at least three teams.
The Lakers, Clippers and Mavericks all have interest in signing Horford, according to The Ringer, which cited unidentified league sources. Dallas is believed to be the favorite, while the two Los Angeles teams "have their sights set on bigger fish like Kawhi Leonard."
Celtics free agent big man Al Horford is expected to draw interest from the Mavericks, Lakers, and Clippers, according to league sources. @ringer @ringernba https://t.co/7e3zBkIz2L
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 19, 2019
Horford initially declined his player option with the hopes of working out a new three-year deal with Boston in July, ESPN reported Tuesday. However, it was later reported that though the two sides discussed contract scenarios the gap was too large for the Celtics and Horford to reach an agreement. Instead, he wants to find a three- or four-year deal from a different team.
“It’s something that I haven’t even stopped to think about,” Horford said about free agency last month (via MassLive.com). “I’ve enjoyed being here in Boston. Just have to wait and see what we’re going to do as a team. And it's steps that the management is going to do moving forward and continue to get better.”
Horford, 33, is coming off a season in which he averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds while shooting 53.5% from the floor and 36 percent from 3-point range. He helped the Celtics to a 49-33 record, but they were eliminated from the playoffs early by the Bucks in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Star Kyrie Irving will also be a free agent this summer and it's been reported that his chances of re-singing with the Celtics are low.
