Kevin Durant may be the biggest name on the free agent market, but Al Horford is picking up plenty of interest, including Durant's team -- the Oklahoma City Thunder.
According to ESPN's Brian Windhorst, the Thunder are looking to clear a "massive amount of salary-cap" space to sign Horford. Oklahoma City's reported plan is to re-sign Durant and then aggressively pursue Horford. Besides Horford being an All-Star big man, the Thunder have a definite need for him since they recently traded Serge Ibaka to the Orlando Magic. Horford also played for Thunder coach Billy Donovan in college at Florida, where they won two national titles, and their relationship remains strong.
From Windhorst:
As they prepare to make their pitch to Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder have been making calls around the league looking to clear a massive amount of salary-cap space in a move rival executives believe is an effort to go after free agent Al Horford in addition to Durant, multiple sources told ESPN.
Over the past several days, the Thunder have sought out teams with open salary-cap space to possibly absorb Enes Kanter and Kyle Singler, sources said. The Thunder have other methods of opening cap space, including waiving Anthony Morrow, whose contract isn't guaranteed until July 15.
Enes Kanter proved quite valuable in the postseason, but if the Thunder have a legitimate chance at getting Horford, they have to break up the Stache Bros., and trade the Turkish center. It is the type of move that could help convince Durant to re-sign and would instantly make the Thunder one of the favorites to come out of the West and perhaps win in the league title.
The Thunder aren't the only team heavily pursuing Horford. The Lakers, Magic and Pistons will reportedly reach out to Horford but according to ESPN's Zach Lowe, Detroit is really zeroing in on the All-Star big man:
Watch out for the Pistons on Horford; with Wednesday's trade of Meeks, they are one tiny move away from being able to fit his max. They are working to schedule a meeting with Horford over the first 48 hours of free agency, sources say.
Similar to the Thunder, the Pistons have an inside track on Horford because his former agent, Arn Tellem, is now the vice chairman of Palace Sports & Entertainment. Horford seems perfect for coach Stan Van Gundy and figures to fit nicely, should he sign with Detroit.
However, the Hawks have the one thing the Thunder and Pistons can't give offer, a five-year deal. That length of contract could make the difference because likely will be Horford's last chance to get a max-level deal. But Lowe reports that the Hawks are hesitant to offer Horford five years and that hesitancy has opened the door for clubs to perhaps swoop in and sign the All-Star.
Horford, like Durant, will be making one of the more intriguing free agent decisions this summer.
