Both the Atlanta Hawks and Al Horford are reportedly interested in the All-Star center re-signing to stay with the franchise. However, Horford has been connected to a number of other teams in free agency rumors, including the Oklahoma City Thunder, Detroit Pistons, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, and more. So, what's the hold up in Atlanta?
Apparently, the Hawks have been reluctant to offer Horford a fifth-year on a new deal, according to ESPN's Zach Lowe. As a result, Lowe notes that they have a “grave risk of losing him for nothing.”
As the incumbent, the Hawks are the only team with the ability to offer Horford a five-year contract, and therefore more guaranteed money. Unless the Hawks budge, Horford will likely look else where and try to find the best fit for him moving forward.
The versatile center averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 3.2 assists last season, playing in all 82 of Atlanta's games.
Following a second straight playoff defeat at the hands of the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Hawks are at a crossroads. They could hold onto most of their core and try to persevere forward, or they might decide to deconstruct their roster and rebuild. They already traded away starting point guard Jeff Teague, so if they end up letting Horford walk, it would seem that they have chosen the latter.
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