Just like most teams who aren't exactly feeling secure for a star player who could be lost in the offseason, the Atlanta Hawks will reportedly listen to pitched offers for forward Al Horford.
Two players from the Hawks' end have been in trade rumor talks, although nothing has materialized just yet.
Jeff Teague has made a lot of noise lately, mainly because there are teams in dire need of a point guard. The Utah Jazz and the New York Knicks were among the first linked to Teague as they try to look for a reliable court general to stabilize their guard positions.
Horford, on the other hand, has been making noise, although there are some who remain apprehensive mainly due to two reasons. First is that it may be hard to believe that the Hawks would let him go and second is, of course, his salary.
The Dominican basketball player has also not shown any sign of wanting out of Atlanta, although the numbers game could sway him to consider signing up with other big time teams.
The belief right now is that Horford could get more off-court opportunities in much stronger Spanish-speaking NBA markets in Florida, New York, Texas or California as mentioned on CBS Sports.
Though Atlanta could be that place, it seems that it will all depend on Horford himself. Is he decided to leave and gamble on possible greener pasteurs? Will he be blinded by money and opportunities as well?
If he eventually does, he cannot be blamed for it. For the Hawks, keeping him could be done as early as now if they intend to come close to that 60-win season they enjoyed last year.
So while the Hawks will be listening to offers, it doesn't follow that they will deal away (for now) Horford. But until Feb. 18 comes (NBA trade deadline), anything can still happen.
