The Western Confrence arms race is just getting going after the misfortune the five time conference champion Golden State Warriors suffered in the NBA Finals.
Two blockbuster trades have already gone down with Anthony Davis heading to the Lakers and Mike Conley going from Memphis to the Utah Jazz.
Now comes this piece of information from Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer indicating that the Dallas Mavericks are favored to sign All-Star big man Al Horford.
“The Mavericks are considered favorites to land Celtics free-agent big man Al Horford, according to league sources, and the two Los Angeles teams are said to also have interest, though they both have their sights set on bigger fish like Kawhi Leonard,” O’Connor reported.
Horford surprisingly opted out of his $30-plus million contract with the Boston Celtics on Tuesday. It’s now being reported that the five-time All-Star will bolt Boston in free agency.
If the Mavs were able to add someone of Horford’s ilk, it would be a major boon for owner Mark Cuban and Co.
The idea of teaming Horford up with Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis has to be appealing. It would give Dallas a tremendous trio to compete in what promises to be a difficult Western Conference next season.
Horford, 33, averaged 13.6 points 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists while playing elite-level defense for Boston last season. He remains one of the better all-around bigs in the game.