Time To Blow Up The Atlanta Hawks?

Horford’s Future In Atlanta

At the top of Atlanta’s offseason priority list is Al Horford, the team’s prized center who will be an unrestricted free agent this summer. Because of his defensive versatility, quality character and shooting range, Horford will be highly coveted around the league — by teams looking to contend right away and on-the-rise franchises looking for veteran leaders alike.

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Over the last two seasons, Horford has posted nearly identical numbers, averaging 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.2 blocks per game on 50.5 percent shooting in his latest campaign. Horford also added a regular three-point shot to his repertoire at age 29, converting 34.4 percent of his 3.1 long range attempts per game this year.

The spacing that Horford provides is intrinsic to Atlanta’s offensive attack, as are his passing skills and high basketball IQ. He is similarly proficient on the defensive end, although rebounding was one area the Horford-Millsap frontcourt struggled with at times. Still, there’s no question that some team will be willing to throw a max contract at such an understated star, especially with the salary cap spiking to a projected $90 million for the 2016-17 season.

The question is, are the Hawks willing to outbid their competition with a five-year, $130 million max contract to keep Horford around? Or are they willing to lose him on the open market and get nothing in return other than avoiding overpaying for a 30-year-old center whose numbers shrank to 13.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game in this year’s playoffs?

For his part, Horford wants to return to Atlanta. He loves the city that he’s called home for all nine seasons of his NBA career, he’s a good fit with this current group, and because the Hawks possess his Bird Rights, they can offer an extra year and a whole mess of extra money compared to other suitors. Atlanta also has the requisite cap space to re-sign him if they so choose.

However, the Hawks are in something of a bind if they choose to break up the current core. Though Horford is probably their second best player in a vacuum, his age and the cost of re-signing him are pertinent factors. Re-signing him to that kind of gargantuan deal would make him un-tradeable, and there’s a very real risk of losing him for nothing before then.

If the Hawks want to begin anew and aren’t willing to dole out an irresponsible amount of money on a contract that will last until Horford’s 35th birthday, Big Al may have played his last game in Atlanta.

Next: Make A Decision At Point Guard