Hawks Rumored to Reunite With Former All-Star Center: Insider
The Atlanta Hawks aren't done with their summer transactions. After acquiring All-Star big man Kristaps Porzingis from the Boston Celtics, the Hawks have been linked to pursue a veteran free agent center. The team is making moves to give star guard Trae Young and the young core a chance to return to the playoffs.
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The Hawks have missed the playoffs for the second straight year. The last time Atlanta was in the postseason was in 2023. They were eliminated in the first round by the Boston Celtics.
Since then, the Hawks have tried to return to the postseason. However, the roster they've had over the past two seasons aren't competitive. This time, they have a chance to strengthen their frontcourt by potentially reuniting with Al Horford.
Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson drives to the basket while Boston Celtics center Al Horford defends. Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
According to ESPN's Marc Spears, the Hawks are among the teams interested in the free agent center. Horford has yet to sign with a team and is also considering retiring from basketball. Spears also reported that the five-time All-Star was supposed to sign a deal with the Golden State Warriors last week. However, a deal did not happen.
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'Golden State, obviously, expected him to sign last week. He didn't,' the insider said. 'Lakers, Milwaukee, and Atlanta, I believe, are also interested in a nearly 40-year-old guy who also has retirement on the table.
Spears revealed that Horford spends his summers in Boston and Atlanta, which is where his family is. The Hawks could have an advantage to sign him since it will keep the Dominican big man close to his wife and kids.
'He's still considering retiring; he's not in any hurry. He's got a sixth kid coming on the way, he lives in Atlanta and Boston in the offseason. But I'm hearing that whether it's Golden State and to a lesser extent the Lakers, being away from the family that far isn't going to be in that decision.'
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Horford has history in Atlanta, as he was drafted by the franchise in 2007 with the third pick. He spent most of his prime years with the Hawks. In the nine years he was a part of the organization, the 6-foot-9 center averaged 14.3 points, 8.9 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
The former Florida star was a four-time All-Star and a one-time All-NBA player with the Hawks. Ending his career with the team that took a chance on him would be a perfect way.
Related: Hawks Among Favorites to Land $251 Million 3-Time All-Star in NBA Trade
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 15, 2025, where it first appeared.
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