NBA Trade Rumors 2016: Atlanta Puts Out Al Horford
The NBA trade deadline is almost here and everyone seems to be more excited and intrigued about it than the league's All-Star Weekend. But there is more than enough reason to be, especially if the talk is about league superstars rumored to be on the trading block.
For the Atlanta Hawks, putting point Jeff Teague in trade discussions seemingly wasn't enough. Multiple reports revealed that the team is also listening to possible offers for star center/forward Al Horford. The Dominican professional basketball star will be a free agent after this season, and while he always has expressed contentment with the Hawks, it is expected that he's going to explore the free agent market.
Selected third overall by Atlanta during the 2007 NBA Draft, the 29-year-old will certainly be an interesting addition to any team in the NBA right now, especially those contending for a title. But because the Hawks are anticipating the fact that they won't be getting something in return if Horford seeks free agency, they are now entertaining calls and offers. The three-time All-Star is a hot commodity and his versatility in his position is not common in the league.
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And if ever it goes down to free agency, Yahoo! Sports reported that he will be aiming for a maximum five-year contract that's worth around $140 million. Although it looks pretty stiff, a lot of teams will be scrambling to get him knowing that they'll get someone who may be one of the top 3 big men in the Eastern Conference right now.
When he first arrived in the NBA, Horford was more like the traditional center who plies his trade inside the shaded lane. However, he developed his game, focusing on his ball handling skills and outside shot in the past couple of years. This season, he averages 15.1 points and 7.0 rebounds.
Horford comes from a rich college basketball program in Florida, where he led the Gators to back-to-back NCAA championships in 2006 and 2007.
