NBA Rumors: Magic, Al Horford have mutual interest

The Orlando Magic and Al Horford reportedly have mutual interest in an offseason contract. 

When the Atlanta Hawks pulled back on shopping Al Horford — however serious they were about that in the first place — it seemed to imply that the team was confident they’d be bringing him back. Last year we saw skittish teams uncertain about pending free agents deal them away, as seems customary in sports at trade deadlines.

But just because Horford has remained in Atlanta doesn’t mean he’s going to be with the Hawks in 2016-17.

According to Sean Deveney of The Sporting News, the Orlando Magic and Al Horford have mutual interest — which will immediately start the speculation about Horford signing with Orlando in the offseason.

The pending free agency of Horford is something that motivated the trade rumors about him. Hearing now that the Magi have mutual interest in a deal with Horford should be very troubling to Hawks fans who were hoping the lack of movement at the deadline meant a long term future in Atlanta for the big man.

Atlanta was rumored to be mulling a max offer for Horford this summer, but his unrestricted status means that he’s not bound to whatever contract that Hawks offer him. That’s what forced teams like Utah and Oklahoma City to deal players like Enes Kanter and Reggie Jackson last trade deadline, as they were restricted free agents and teams would have had to play ball with offer sheets.

Horford won’t have that string attached to him, and Orlando’s early interest won’t be the sole interest around the NBA as we approach free agency.