Well this is somewhat surprising, if you ask me: The Sixers appear to be pursuing Al Horford, who is expected to become a free-agent.
Related: NBA free-agency rumors: Sixers want to run it back
According to Shams Charania, the four favorites to land Horford include the Sixers, Lakers, Mavericks, and Rockets. According to Woj, Horford is "prepared to enter free-agency to find a three or four-year deal elsewhere."
Horford is 33-years-old and this will be his final big contract in the NBA. Last season, he was still very productive averaging 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists while shooting 53.5 FG% / 36.0 3FG% / 82.1 FT%. Horford has also given Embiid fits in the past, so getting him on the same team would certainly be nice.
If Philadelphia does indeed want to sign Horford to a three or four-year contract, they will pair him in the front court with center Joel Embiid, creating a terrifying duo for opponents. Horford, who will command max contract money or at the very least close to it, would only be possible if the Sixers did not re-sign all of their own key free-agents in Jimmy Butler, Tobias Harris, and JJ Redick.
Butler has been most recently linked to the Houston Rockets, who are reportedly pursuing a third star to add with Chris Paul and James Harden. Butler, 29, grew up in the Houston suburb of Tomball and played high school ball at Tomball High School.
