As the 2025 NBA offseason continues moving into full swing, the Atlanta Hawks have been making waves. Big trades have been a feature of the offseason so far, as the Hawks look to show they are making a serious run in the Eastern Conference next season.
Another big move for the Hawks could see former five-time all-star Al Horford make a surprising homecoming return.
Hawks Remain an Option for Coveted FA Al Horford
As the recently turned 39-year-old remains on the free agency market, there are many options on the table for Horford. Brad Crawford of CBS Sports reported that Horford is showing interest in the Golden State Warriors. However, he is still considering potential interest from the Los Angeles Lakers, Milwaukee Bucks, and the Atlanta Hawks, while retirement may also be on the table.
This uncertainty leaves open the possibility of Horford making Atlanta fans happy by returning to the place where his professional career started. The Hawks made Horford the third-overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft as his Florida Gators were coming off back-to-back NCAA national championships. During his tenure with the Hawks, Horford was a four-time all-star, helping lead Atlanta to the playoffs in eight of his nine seasons before departing for his first stint in Boston.
A potential Horford signing would reunite the big man with the recently acquired Kristaps Porziņģis, a rotation that worked well for Boston during their two seasons together, including their 2024 NBA championship. This pairing would create a formidable frontcourt rotation for Atlanta and depth in a crucial area. Horford's veteran leadership could help lead Atlanta’s young stars like Trae Young and Jalen Johnson in the right direction as their careers move forward.
A strong free agent move like this may be what the Hawks need for a possible run in an Eastern Conference that is looking wide open with injuries to Jason Tatum and Tyrese Halliburton, taking recent contenders back a step. However, if the Hawks must have a serious interest in the eighteen-year veteran, they need to move fast.