National Basketball Association

Al Horford reportedly didn't want to play with Dwight Howard

Published Jul. 3, 2016 8:29 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Atlanta Hawks landed hometown star Dwight Howard during the free-agent frenzy this weekend. But it appears that move hurt their chances of bringing back their longtime big man.

According to CBS Sports, Al Horford opted to leave the only franchise he's played for in part because of the Hawks adding Howard, who agreed to a three-year, $70.5 million deal.

"He didn't want to play with Dwight," a source told the outlet.

Horford agreed to a four-year, $113 million deal with the Celtics, but the Hawks reportedly had offered him a max five-year deal worth $136 million.

A four-time All-Star, Horford is one of the best all-around big men in the league. He averaged 15.2 points, 7.3 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.5 blocks last season.

Horford also extended his shooting range in 2015-16, hitting a career-high 88 attempts from beyond the arc in 256 tries. Before last season, Horford had hit just 21 of 65 from deep in his first eight seasons with the Hawks.