There's a lot of smokescreen surrounding Al Horford and the Dallas Mavericks right now. A report from ESPN earlier on Friday said the Mavs are prepared to offer Horford a four-year deal in free agency worth $112 million.

Now, Marc Stein of The New York Times is reporting the Mavs aren't the team who will be giving Horford that lucrative contract. The All-Star big man declined his 2019-20 player option with the Boston Celtics and will likely leave the team this offseason.

Article Continues Below

This happens almost every time during free agency. Conflicting reports are part of the business of the NBA. The Mavs would be foolish to give a 33-year-old Horford $112 million. He's still a really good player, but Horford isn't worth that much money.

With the Celtics in 2018-19, Horford put up 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. With all signs pointing toward Kyrie Irving leaving Boston for the Brooklyn Nets, it looks like Horford is trying to cash in on one more big contract with another team before he retires from the league.

Along with the Mavs, Horford has been linked with the Houston Rockets, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers and Los Angeles Clippers. We'll see where Al ends up in a few weeks once free agency starts.