NBA Free Agency 2019: 5 potential destinations for Al Horford

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 28: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics handles the ball against the Brooklyn Nets on January 28, 2019 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – MARCH 14: Al Horford #42 of the Boston Celtics defends a shot from De’Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings during the first quarter at TD Garden on March 14, 2019 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

5. Sacramento Kings

Horford wasn’t the only notable player to decline his player option Tuesday, as Sacramento Kings forward Harrison Barnes likewise turned down his $25.1 option, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.

As a result, the Kings are suddenly poised to make a major splash on the free-agent market.

If they waive all of their nonguaranteed salaries and renounce the rights to their free agents, they could carve out up to $62.6 million in salary-cap space. With Buddy Hield becoming eligible for an extension this summer and De’Aaron Fox up for one in 2020, the next two summers may be Sacramento’s best chance to snag a big-name free agent.

The Kings haven’t made the playoffs since 2006-07, which may be a tough sell for a 33-year-old who likely wants to maximize his championship window. But Sacramento finished with a 39-43 record last season — its best since the 2005-06 campaign — and has promising young big men such as Marvin Bagley III and Harry Giles who could help lighten Horford’s minutes load.

Even if the Kings seek to re-sign Barnes at a slightly smaller annual average salary, they could have upward of $40 million in cap room to sign Horford and round out their supporting cast. Horford isn’t on the same age curve as Hield and Fox, but the Kings may want to bring in a well-respected veteran to serve as a mentor for their young lottery picks.

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