Source: Celtics one of the favorites to land Al Horford

The Celtics have been identified as a frontrunner in the Al Horford chase.

According to A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE, a league source thinks the Celtics are very much in the mix for Atlanta's All-Star forward:

The Atlanta Hawks have not made a decision on whether they will trade Al Horford but a league source tells CSNNE.com that the Boston Celtics have emerged as one of the favorites to land him if the Hawks decide to part ways with the veteran forward.

Horford is in the last year of his contract. The Celtics would be in the driver's seat to sign the 29 year-old forward as a free-agent this summer if they agree to a trade before the deadline, as they would attain Horford's bird rights and be able to offer more years/dollars than any free agent suitor.

After announcing that Tiago Splitter will miss the rest of the season with a hip injury, the Hawks might be more inclined to throw in the towel on this season than they were earlier this week.

The Horford situation is one to watch as Thursday's 3PM trade deadline closes in.


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