The Atlanta Hawks managed a strong postseason showing despite missing one of their best players. Al Horford was lost for the season after playing just 29 games thanks to a torn pectoral muscle. The Hawks still managed to come close to pulling off an upset to the Indiana Pacers in the postseason, but fell short in Game 7. Losing the center was viewed as a season-crushing blow, but Atlanta made it work. Now with their sights set on a few free agent options, could Horford be trade bait for someone?
Both Chad Ford of ESPN and Zach Lowe of Grantland.com are reporting that the Atlanta Hawks are dangling Horford in potential trades to land a few big names. The center is currently signed to a deal worth $60 million that runs through 2016. That is not an ideal contract to pick up, but numerous teams are looking for a strong big man and they could view Horford as a reliable option if someone like Kevin Love or Chris Bosh is not available.
The Hawks dangled Horford in potential deals at last year's trade deadline and plan on doing so again. He is not going to get the attention that players like Love are receiving, but he is a quality option for any team that misses out. Plus he is affordable for any team in a win-now type of mentality. The Hawks are not being aggressive right now with the move, but expect that to change the closer the draft comes.
The Cleveland Cavaliers are reportedly planning on taking a look at Horford according to Ford. The team is making back up plans should they fail to land players like LeBron James or Love. They have also eyed players like Joakim Noah and LaMarcus Aldridge who would both be more expensive than Horford. The Cavaliers want to add a young veteran to help with their inexperienced roster.
The New York Knicks could be looking Horford's way. Right now both Tyson Chandler and Amar'e Stoudemire are on the trade block and Horford could fill in for either one. His salary is more friendly than either player and the Hawks have the cap space to take on a contract like Chandler's.
The San Antonio Spurs could be a favorite to make a run at Horford. The team is likely losing Tim Duncan at the end of the season and while they appear to have the assets to trade for Love, it is not a typical Spurs move. Instead, Horford would be a solid replacement for Duncan while still being an affordable option for San Antonio. The Hawks have toyed with a Horford trade in the past, but all signs point to Atlanta holding onto their center for at least the time being.