Written by Matt Moore at CBSSports.com
The Boston Celtics have their star. Ken Berger of CBS Sports reports that free agent Al Horford agreed to a four-year, $113 million deal with the Celtics on Saturday. With the move, Boston not only secures an All-Star center, but possibly moves into pole position for Kevin Durant, who is expected to make his decision Monday.
The Atlanta Hawks had maintained their intention to retain Horford, but were reportedly unwilling to give Horford the full max. This presumably means they will not be trading Paul Millsap as it had been reported they were considering. Horford confirmed the decision on Twitter.
The move is a major score for the Celtics, who were in search of a star-caliber player, while the Hawks who lose arguably their best player. Here are five things to know from a big move that may still have even bigger ripple effects with Kevin Durant still out there.
1. Horford’s perfect for Boston
He’s a smart-passing, smooth-touch big man who can finish inside, shoot from the perimeter, set great screens and play great defense. He complements nearly any player, but especially Isaiah Thomas with his combination of size and savvy.
Horford can hurt teams with the pick and pop, exploit rotations to Thomas or the other Celtics’ guards with short dunk cuts, spot up baseline, or score in the post. He is the most versatile big man on the market by far and one of the most versatile bigs in the league.
He’s also a proven winner. He won two titles in college, he’s made the playoffs every season with the Hawks. He’s a veteran who doesn’t need his name on the side of buildings or banners, who goes to work, and is a highly intelligent player. He’s set to make the Celtics better in every regard.
2. The KD angle is very real
There have been consistent whispers that the Thunder were trying to pursue Horford because of Durant’s interest in him. The same can be said for the Warriors, and the Heat. Durant met with the Celtics Saturday night (with Tom Brady in attendance) and Boston can now offer a roster with Isaiah Thomas and Al Horford along with a bevy of good players in a historic sports town with a grand tradition.
