Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford might find himself on the trade block this season, if he's healthy. Grantland's Zach Lowe reported teams are likely to inquire about Horford, and the Hawks could be open to moving him - depending on the ownership situation.
Horford, who missed most of last season with a torn pectoral muscle, could have a market waiting for him this season. Atlanta reportedly shopped him last season, and depending on if new ownership is in place by February, he might be shopped again this season.
"It happened in stealth mode last season, when the Hawks reached out to a select group and made it known Horford could be had for the right price - including an unprotected 2014 first-round pick, per several league sources," Lowe wrote Tuesday. "... The Hawks don't have a new owner yet, and as long as Mike Budenholzer is running the front office, they are unlikely to make any trade that represents a present-day step back.
"If the ownership situation changes before the deadline, there's no telling what stance the Hawks might take with Horford, Jeff Teague, or anyone else. Teams will inquire about Horford either way."
Horford played in only 29 games last season - 18.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game - before tearing his labrum. If he can stay healthy, he's one of the best power forwards-centers in the game. Atlanta announced Horford would start in Tuesday's preseason game against the Miami Heat, stepping onto the court for the first time since his injury on Dec. 26.
He'll make $12 million in each of the next two seasons before becoming an unrestricted free agent in 2016.
