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NBA: The Best 2016 Free Agent For Every Team

By Ryan Blackburn

May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
May 1, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A general view of the Air Canada Centre prior to Indiana Pacers playing Toronto Raptors in game seven of the first round of the 2016 NBA Playoffs at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and forward Paul Millsap (4) defend against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 22, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) and forward Paul Millsap (4) defend against Boston Celtics guard Isaiah Thomas (4) during the second quarter in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Atlanta Hawks – Al Horford

One of the most high profile free agents in this year’s class, Al Horford is about to get paid.

He’s spent his entire career in Atlanta, and in advancing to the second round in an apparent “down” year, the Hawks should have zero desire to let go of their longest tenured player. Horford is a part of the machine created by Mike Budenholzer, and while Paul Millsap has assumed the role as best player, Horford is still an integral piece.

There were rumors earlier in the season about Atlanta potentially breaking up its core, and pieces like Jeff Teague, Kyle Korver, and even Horford were discussed in trades. The Hawks are in a good position by staying true to their core, and letting Horford go now would be a poor maximization of assets.

There is the possibility that Atlanta would let him walk and attempt to get younger. They are already committed next season to Tiago Splitter’s contract, while Kyle Korver is in his mid 30s and likely to slow down soon. That being said, there are very few players on the open market that are better than Horford, and his commitment to Atlanta over the years cannot be understated.

Horford will turn 30 on Jun. 3, but in spite of his age, he’s worth the max contract Atlanta will likely offer.

Next: Boston Celtics