But, like the 29 teams who won’t get to sign Durantula, word of their post-Durant plans have begun to emerge, and they involve an Atlanta native.
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Marc Stein of ESPN reports that the Wizards could target Horford beginning on July 1, and that isn’t exactly a surprise.
Even if money doesn’t factor into Horford’s decision this summer, Washington would still have to find a way to convince him playing alongside Wall gives him a better shot at title contention than he’d have sticking in Atlanta, or joining teams like the Rockets, Celtics, or Pistons who all reached the playoffs last season.
If the Hawks are unsuccessful in their efforts to enter the bidding for Durant, they will go after another superstar from the Western Conference.
Miami is often on the top of player’s list to play for simply because of the destination.
Acquiring Horford could have an even greater impact for Boston. However, their cap situation wouldn’t leave much room to do anything else if they signed Durant. A front line with Durant, Paul Millsap and Al Horford would make the Hawks an immediate title contender, regardless of what decisions they make in the backcourt with Jeff Teague and Dennis Schroder. The Los Angeles Lakers and New York Knicks also are trying to get some facetime, but considering Durant’s desire to play for a team that can contend for an National Basketball Association title right away, they’re probably dreaming. He would still be the No. 1 option offensively and more importantly, he wouldn’t look as if he were “tagging along” like he would if he join a juggernaut team like the Warriors or Spurs.
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Everyone, including Atlanta, wants Kevin Durant.
