Atlanta Hawks

Report: Celtics 'excited' about a trade for Atlanta's Al Hordford

Published Feb. 10, 2016 12:22 p.m. ET

foxsports

Atlanta's Al Horford is earning trade interest across the league, but the latest rumor has him landing in Boston.

According to the Vertical's Chrix Mannix via CSN New England, the Celtics are interested in trading for Horford. Mannix explains that the Celtics not only desire Horford but the franchise has the money to pay him, too.

“I think Boston, Al Horford is a legitimate possibility for the Celtics. I think that is one of the guys across the league that Danny Ainge is the most excited about. He is a four man that would fit right into what Boston is trying to do.

It would cost a lot of money to re-sign him in the offseason, but I think Boston is willing to play it, because they haven’t paid a lot of money for players in recent years.

Boston has quite a few movable assets available to trade Atlanta. Horford would provide valuable minutes for the Celtics, but more importantly, his presence would likely help allure other talented players to the team as well.

If the Hawks traded Horford, they'd likely target either Brooklyn's pick (owned by Boston), Eastern Conference All-Star Isaiah Thomas or 2014 NBA lottery pick Marcus Smart. Atlanta is reportedly "open to blowing up their roster" at the upcoming trade deadline.

. @ChrisMannixYS on #Celtics rumors: "Look, I think Horford is a legitimate possibility for the #Celtics."
— CSNCeltics (@csnceltics) February 10, 2016

While the Celtics are unlikely to trade the Nets pick, Horford is certainly a commodity worth acquiring as a long-term solution to replace David Lee, whose contract expires at the end of the year. Mannix, however, predicts nothing will get done until closer to the trade deadline.

This season, Horford averages 15.2 points with 6.9 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game. He also adds 1.0 three's per game this season -- his career average is 0.1, so it's a drastic improvement.

Bryan Kalbrosky produces digital content for FOXSports.com. For more, follow him on Twitter @BryanKalbrosky