The New York Knicks are viewed as a potential suitor for Al Horford in NBA free agency. And one insider offered an interesting advantage the team could have in the chase.
The Knicks would like to make some moves during the offseason to bolster their bench. To better support their talented starting five. And the frontcourt will likely be a target with forward Precious Achiuwa leaving in free agency and center Mitchell Robinson being injury-prone.
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Boston Celtics great Al Horford is one name that has been linked to the team this summer. On Saturday, SNY Knicks insider Ian Begley offered up a unique reason why New York may have an advantage among the various teams expected to pursue the 18-year NBA veteran.
“Al Horford will have a robust market this offseason. I think the Knicks will also at least check in on Horford’s situation in Boston,” he wrote. “The Celtics shed salary by trading Jrue Holiday and Kristaps Porzingis. And they certainly want Horford back, but are limited in what they can offer the veteran big man. Just as an aside: Horford has a close relationship with Karl-Anthony Towns.”
Al Horford stats (2024-25): 27.7 MPG, 9.0 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 2.1 SPG, 36% 3PT
Horford and Towns previously bonded as members of the Dominican Republic national team. Being able to play with a close friend and keeping his Boston home while he plays a few hours away in New York certainly would interest the 39-year-old.
The big question is, will the Knicks be able to meet his price range? Horford made $9.5 million last season (via Spotrac). New York may only have, at most, $8 million to offer, according to Begley. With him expected to have quite a few suitors in free agency, the Knicks may get priced out unless Horford takes a discounted rate for the above-mentioned reasons and to play on a title contender.
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After earning his journalism degree in 2017, Jason Burgos served as a contributor to several sites, including MMA Sucka ... More about Jason Burgos