NBA: Dallas, Lakers, and Clippers Are Reportedly “Frontrunners” to Get Al Horford

Welcome NBA fans!

It appears that Al Horford is leaving Boston.

For many, this move came as a huge surprise, and it could alter Boston’s decisions going forward. It’s not even July yet and Boston has already lost two of their stars. Furthermore, Kyrie Irving is reportedly leaning towards the Brooklyn Nets, while Horford is moving on. Horford is 33 and has $30 million left on his contract.

It would make sense to go for more money elsewhere rather than signing again in Boston. Even though last season was a disaster, Horford was the glue that kept the Celtics from tearing each other apart.

A report from New York Times writer Marc Stein stated that Horford thinks he can sign a 4-year $100 million deal that is waiting for him somewhere else. This is a bold move for Horford to leave, and I commend him for that. Horford is a great leader. He can set screens, shoot 36% from the three, post-up, pass effectively, and he is an excellent defender.

There are a few teams that are reportedly “frontrunners” for Horford’s services. The teams listed are Dallas, the Lakers, and the Clippers. For some reason, Dallas is considered the “favorite” to land Horford in free agency.

According to Kevin O’ Connor of The Ringer, it appears that both the Lakers and the Clippers are in line for Horford’s services:

“The Mavericks are considered favorites to land Celtics free-agent big man Al Horford, according to league sources, and the two Los Angeles teams are said to also have interest, though they both have their sights set on bigger fish like Kawhi Leonard.”

Even though I can see Horford playing well with both the Clippers and Lakers, I believe that Dallas would make sense for both sides if he signs with them.

Is Al Horford a good fit in Dallas?

First, Dallas has rising stars in Luca Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis, who can mesh well with Al Horford’s game. Second, the Mavericks have $31.3 million in cap space, which is enough money to offer Horford. Furthermore, if Horford signs with Dallas, the Mavericks can still go over the cap to max out Porzingis (who is still recovering from an ACL injury).

On the court, Horford can pair well with Porzingis at the power forward spot. Those two big men are very versatile and can do everything on the floor. While Porzingis is guarding the paint, Horford can defend the three-point line and either block a shot or be a help defender. When it comes to shooting threes, both Horford and Porzingis are capable of hitting them.

If Horford draws a double team, he can pass to either Doncic or Porzingis for an open three and vice versa. What makes both men so unique is their passing and defense. While Horford is not the same young guy he once was, he can do everything well, which allows coach Rick Carlisle to have a lot of options.

Horford can protect the rim, set great screens, defend well, post-up, and shoot threes. This versatility is what makes him so valuable, which is why he should go to Dallas.

Is Al Horford a good fit with the Clippers?

On the Clipper side, Horford can be a great second addition if newly-crowned champion Kawhi Leonard signs with the team. If the Clippers sign both stars and everyone else re-signs, they will become a defensive force in the league. Imagine a starting line-up of Patrick Beverly, Kawhi Leonard, Al Horford, Ivica Zubac, and quality shooting guard.

Off the bench, Lou Williams, Montrezl Harrell, and Danilo Gallinari can provide great scoring punch. The Clippers have an amazing coach in Doc Rivers, who has championship pedigree with the Boston Celtics. To make sure the organization is running smoothly, the logo himself, Jerry West, is a great consultant who makes sure the higher-ups are doing their jobs.

What more can I say about the Clippers?

As for the Lakers, who are looking for a third star to pair with LeBron James and Anthony Davis, they can sign Horford without having to go over the salary cap. If Horford signs with them, the Lakers can get four or more in terms of quality depth and sign other veterans for the minimum.

In the end, Al Horford will have options, and Dallas seems to be the clear favorite to land him.

That's all the news I have for you today!

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