Al Horford is enjoying his time in Atlanta, but that doesn’t mean he’s not open to other possibilities.
The Atlanta Hawks center said he realizes that other cities could help optimize his off-court appeal, something he’ll have to take into consideration when he becomes a free agent this summer.
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“Atlanta has the potential for a guy like myself to maximize [the business] part of it,” Horford told Yahoo Sports. “But obviously there are other cities, bigger cities that are more appealing probably [business and marketing-wise]. The impact would be bigger if that is what you are looking for.”
But Horford, who is averaging 15.2 points, seven rebounds and three assists per game this season, did say he's content in Atlanta and likes the way the team is set up.
“The city itself is a great city,” Horford said. “People are great. This Hawks organization is moving in the right direction. With the new ownership, with the coach, I really feel good about the future of the Hawks.”
The three-time All-Star is in the final year of his contract. The Hawks, who sound intent on keeping Horford, could offer him a maximum deal of $146 million over five years.
"Al is a big part of our program and knows how much we value him,” Hawks president and head coach Mike Budenholzer said. “Our focus and job remain the same, and that is building the best program possible and establishing a culture that Al and any other player would want to be part of. He is the type of player we want to continue building with now and into the future.”