It's crystal clear that the Milwaukee Bucks have made it priority No. 1 to get younger this offseason, which they've done with excellent success. That's what makes their apparent interest in Al Horford, who just turned 39, somewhat puzzling. The reported interest came from Marc J. Spears, who was speaking on NBA Today.
"Golden State expected him to sign last week. He didn't. Lakers, Milwaukee, Atlanta I believe are also interested."
Horford could help Milwaukee, but they have other needs
Even at 39, Horford could be a valuable addition to this frontcourt. Last year, he averaged nine points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists while shooting 36.3 percent from three. Of course, as Bucks fans know from countless hard-fought playoff bouts, Horford also boasts plenty of experience. It wouldn't hurt to have him on their side of the battle for once.
The most prominent question is where exactly Horford would fit in a frontcourt rotation that features Giannis Antetokounmpo, Myles Turner, Bobby Portis, Jericho Sims, and Kyle Kuzma. Sure, he could be a plug-and-play piece in a lineup with any of those players, but are there enough minutes for Horford and those other names for him to believe Milwaukee is his best spot? That part is uncertain.
He could undoubtedly carve out a larger role for himself on a team like the Lakers or Warriors, and the Milwaukee Bucks could remain committed to their youth retooling. In a similar set of circumstances, the Bucks reportedly had conversations about signing 40-year-old Chris Paul to fill their point guard vacancy recently, but they instead plan to go with Cole Anthony, who is just 25. Youth is the move.
It feels far from likely that the two will join forces this summer. Just like with Cole Anthony and Myles Turner, it seems like the moves the Milwaukee Bucks make typically come out of nowhere and are not leaked beforehand. In that case, it would make plenty of sense if the Bucks used their final roster spot on adding a small forward, which hasn't been talked about much in the rumor mill at all.
As it stands, Taurean Prince is the lone small forward on this roster. Sure, Kyle Kuzma can slide to the three if needed, but it would make much more sense to keep him at the four and add another name. Doing so would make more sense than bringing in Al Horford, though he could also help this team.
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