NBA Rumors: Sixers a dark horse to sign Al Horford in free agency?

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How's this for a plot twist: Al Horford not only leaving the Boston Celtics, but competing directly against them for Eastern Conference supremacy.

NBC Sports' Tom Haberstroh broached that possibility Thursday during a radio appearance on Philly's 97.5 The Fanatic, noting an NBA general manager told him "not to count out" Horford signing with the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Sixers reportedly are one of five teams interested in signing Horford after the 33-year-old big man declined his $30.1 million player option with Boston.

Horford is an enticing target for Philly as a versatile veteran frontcourt presence alongside superstar Joel Embiid. As Haberstroh points out, adding a player like Horford who can defend multiple positions and contribute on offense would allow Philly to lighten Embiid's workload, especially if the team is unable to re-sign Tobias Harris in free agency.

Watching Horford join their Atlantic Division rival would be a cruel twist of fate for the Celtics, who play the Sixers four times per year and relied heavily on Horford to neutralize Embiid during their matchups.

Horford's other reported suitors are all Western Conference clubs -- the Los Angeles Lakers, L.A. Clippers, Houston Rockets and Dallas Mavericks -- so Boston will be hoping one of those teams (yes, even the Lakers) scoops him up instead.

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