Earlier on Wednesday, The Ringer reported the Dallas Mavericks are the front runners to sign Al Horford. But as is the case with all free agency rumors, we now have conflicting reports whether the Mavs are really the favorites to land Horford.
According to Brad Townsend of the Dallas Morning News, the Mavs reportedly might not be interested in signing Horford to the lucrative contract he's looking for after he opted out of his final year with the Boston Celtics.
League source’s texted reply when asked if Horford-Mavs reports are accurate: “Not really.”
No elaboration or reply, as of yet, to follow-up. Interpret as you will.
— Brad Townsend (@townbrad) June 19, 2019
Horford declined roughly $30 million from the Celtics, so clearly he's looking for a raise on the open market. It might not be wise for the Mavs, though, to overpay for Horford, who is 33-years-old.
Remember, Dallas will be getting Kristaps Porzingis back next season, as he's fully recovered from the ACL tear he suffered in 2017-18 with the New York Knicks.
This past season with the Celtics, Horford averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists while shooting 53.5 percent from the field, 36.0 percent from beyond the arc and 82.1 percent from the free-throw line. The five-time All-Star recorded 10 double-doubles and one triple-double.
The Mavs are building their team around budding star Luka Doncic. Sure, adding Horford would be beneficial for Luka in the short-term since Al spaces the floor with his shooting and is one of the smartest players in the league.
However, the price has to be right for Dallas. It wouldn't be smart to give Horford a deal worth $100 million at this point in his career.
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