Al Horford is widely expected to leave the Boston Celtics in free agency and sign elsewhere, but his destination is a mystery. There had been some speculation that the New Orleans Pelicans were a potential spot for him, which received a boost due to Horford following some key Pelicans players on Instagram.
C Al Horford may be on his way to the New Orleans Pelicans after following Pelicans’ F Zion Williamson and G Jrue Holiday on Instagram pic.twitter.com/1KC1vUq8Oa
— The Fastbreak (@NBAFastbreakNBA) June 29, 2019
Despite the speculation and Instagram activity, The New York Times’ Marc Stein reported on Saturday night that Horford is not signing with the Pelicans.
New Orleans is not pursuing players in the market for four-year deals. @NYTSports reported June 22 that Horford, upon severing ties with Boston, was immediately expected to receive a new four-year pact from a mystery bidder worth in excess of $100 million
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 30, 2019
Horford is a very good player who plays hard on both ends and is viewed as an excellent locker room presence. That’s what makes him a good fit for probably every team in the league. He would be perfect for the Pelicans. But signing him to a long-term deal when they have a young core does not seem to make a lot of sense timing-wise for New Orleans.
It’s unclear where Horford will be going, but teams like the Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, LA Clippers and others have been mentioned in connection with him. His next team will likely be announced soon when free agency begins.
