In recent weeks, the Milwaukee Bucks' rumored interest in Al Horford has been making the rounds in NBA circles. However, it always felt unlikely that the two sides would come together, and Marc Stein, veteran NBA insider, only reaffirms that point by stating in a new Stein Line that he believes Horford will end up with the Golden State Warriors.
It must be noted that Horford is also contemplating retirement, so there is a chance he could just hang up his shoes altogether.
Bucks likely won't get Al Horford's signature, and that's fine
This shouldn't be too shocking. It was certainly something to hear that Milwaukee had interest in the big man after the move to bring in Myles Turner while keeping Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims. Even with that trio, we cannot forget about Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kyle Kuzma. There likely wouldn't have been as many minutes for Horford as he could get somewhere like Golden State.
Sure, he could have given this team a versatile chess piece who could play with any combination of Antetokounmpo, Turner, Portis, Sims, and Kuzma. That would be nice, but it wouldn't make much sense for Horford, who could sign with the Warriors and possibly carve out a role for himself as their starting big man.
In addition to the depth chart, Horford's age is another reason Milwaukee's interest in him came as such a shock. They have made it a point to get younger this offseason, and a 39-year-old wouldn't fit in line with that trend. Sure, it wouldn't hurt to have a championship-winning veteran sprinkled in with youth, but it would go against everything they've done this summer.
If anything, the Milwaukee Bucks don't need another big man. They need a small forward to give them support alongside Taurean Prince and Chris Livingston, who just re-signed. Whether it comes via a trade or someone left in the free agent pool, a lengthy, two-way small forward could go a long way in rounding out this retooled roster.
As always, the Milwaukee Bucks are never "done." They are likely poking around the market for their next target. The decision on Andre Jackson Jr.'s contract, which got the guarantee date pushed back recently, is also still looming. No matter what they do, it likely won't involve Al Horford making his way to Milwaukee to continue his career.
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