Atlanta Hawks Unlikely To Trade Al Horford

There have been reports that the Atlanta Hawks will put center Al Horford on the block but it doesn’t seem likely that he will be traded

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The Atlanta Hawks managed to sneak into the postseason last year without their best player, center Al Horford. In fact, they were able to push the Indiana Pacers to seven games.

With Al Horford returning, many have speculated the Hawks could have a big year but there have been reports the Hawks have had Al Horford on the trade block before and could put him back on the block this year.

Kevin Pelton of ESPN.com was asked if a team like the Cleveland Cavalier could get in the mix for Al Horford.

"Not at this point, no. I think that would only have worked as a Kevin Love alternative. Zach Lowe reported the Hawks were looking for an unprotected 2014 first-round pick as part of any package. I’d anticipate it would take more than that, depending on the pick. Horford is an All-Star on a reasonable contract the next two seasons."

Pelton is right – the Hawks only owe Al Horford $12 million in each of the last two seasons, which is an absolute bargain if he’s healthy. With Paul Millsap joining Al Horford up front and Jeff Teague continuing to progress at point guard, the Hawks could be a very good team this season.

Al Horford averaged 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.5 blocks per game while shooting 56.7% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 68.2% from the charity stripe. In his seven-year career, the third-overall pick in the first round of the 2007 NBA Draft, has put up 14.0 points, 9.5 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 blocks per game while shooting 54.1% from the floor, 34.5% from three and 73.5% from the charity stripe.

There have been reports that the Atlanta Hawks will put center Al Horford on the block but it doesn’t seem likely that he will be traded

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