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NBA Rumors: Al Horford not a fan of Dwight Howard deal

By John Buhler

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) dribbles against the Charlotte Hornets in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free agent power forward/center Al Horford is reportedly not happy with the Atlanta Hawks signing center Dwight Howard in 2016 NBA free agency.

According to Zach Klein of WSB TV, “Al Horford is not a fan of the Dwight Howard signing.” The Atlanta Hawks signed the veteran NBA center Howard on Friday to a three-year contract to play for his hometown team.

This is not good news at all for the Hawks’ chances of re-signing the long-time franchise centerpiece. Horford has been a four-time NBA All-Star with Atlanta since going No. 3 to the Hawks in the 2007 NBA Draft after a great collegiate career at the University of Florida.

It’s understandable that Horford is upset of the Howard deal, as Howard would essentially take Horford’s spot at starting center. While Horford has for some time now wanted to play his natural position at power forward, Atlanta does have a great all-round power forward already on their roster in three-time NBA All-Star Paul Millsap.

For Atlanta to now bring Horford back into the fold after the Howard and Kent Bazemore signings on Friday, the Hawks will almost certainly have to trade either Millsap or key reserve big man Tiago Splitter, one of head coach Mike Budenholzer’s guys, to have enough cap space to give Horford a five-year near-max salary.

Atlanta has been willing to pay Horford a max for four seasons, but it has been that crucial fifth year in the negotiations that has led him possibly leaving Atlanta after nine NBA seasons. While Atlanta was looking like a frontrunner at first to keep Horford in 2016 NBA free agency, it now seems like either the Boston Celtics or the Washington Wizards could end up signing him.

If Horford is truly bitter about the Howard signing, going to either Boston or Washington is a great way for him to stick it to the Hawks, as the Celtics and the Wizards are two of Atlanta’s primary rivals on the hardwood. Both organizations seem like good fits to land him in free agency, as they both need front court upgrades.

For more NBA free agency news, please check out our NBA free agency category page.

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