By Mike Fisher and Josh Clark
DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - So much for the Mavericks being the "secret promise team" in the Al Horford sweepstakes as 105.3 The Fan's Mike Fisher is reporting that Dallas isn't on the list of teams the former Boston Celtic will meet with when free agency begins Sunday.
Horford has been linked to the Mavericks over the last week, but up until today, it was unknown if the rumors had any merit.
Last Wednesday, Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer reported that 'the Mavericks are considered the favorites' to land Horford, prompting Fish to do some investigating. Sources told Fish at the time that Horford's age is 'less than ideal' as the team desires to build a young nucleus around Luka Doncic and Kristaps Porzingis. Fish added the same sources told him the 33-year-old former Florida Gator likely has a deal lined up with another team.
Additionally, New York Times reporter Marc Stein came on the Ben & Skin Show and swatted down the Horford/Mavs connection.
"Unfortunately, for Mavs fans who are excited about that (signing Horford), I don't think the Mavs are a favorite for Al Horford," Stein said.
That should have put the rumblings to rest ... but it wasn't over yet.
On Brian Windhorst's podcast last Friday, Windhorst, Tim MacMahon and Jackie MacMullan said they were hearing that the Mavericks were the "secret promise team" for Horford.
"Al Horford clearly knows he has another offer," said Brian Windhorst. "The speculation within the league is that it's with the Dallas Mavericks. I'm just going to tell you the number that is out there that they're talking about. I have no idea whether it's true. Do you know the number, (Tim) MacMahon?"
"112," said Jackie MacMullan. "Four years, $112 million is the number floating around."
The trio made it very clear that they could be being lied to, but the speculation prompted Fish and Stein to come out with more reports that the Mavs aren't in play for Horford.
"Numerous teams and agents believe Al Horford has a four-year offer awaiting him in free agency worth an estimated $112 million. Sources with knowledge of the Mavericks' thinking continue to insist that such a deal will NOT be coming from Dallas. Free agency starts in eight days," Stein said.
"I stand by my Al Horford story as it relates to 'monster deals' and 'promises' ... sources tell me again, as the first did Tuesday, that this NOT #Mavs vision - again, as fun and creative as it is for all to consider," Fish reported.
Clearly, someone was fibbing here, and our money is on the agents.
