Quick Reaction To The Al Horford Extension

First glance here, this looks great for all parties. Al Horford gets his long term security guaranteed, and this deal is really similar to what Josh Smith signed two offseasons ago (5 Years, $58 million). Yes, it’s more, but that’s just the upward correct of increasing player salaries. Having similar contracts for both of your young frontcourt stars looks really good on paper, and the Hawks have successfully managed to avoid overpaying for either.

Horford, like virtually every good young player, was an absolutely steal on his rookie deal. This extension retains him at well below max value. Al is already an All-Star in this league and is still improve as a player, and the coaching change has helped increase his impact on the team by utilizing him more. At age 24, he’s only getting better. Last year, he was already top ten in Win Shares and Win Shares/48. Horford will be making $12 million/year while comparable players in value are making $19 million (Dirk Nowitzki), $13 million (Chauncy Billups), and $18 million (Chris Bosh). Solid deal for the Hawks, and reason to rejoice in the ATL.

Al Horford Agrees To Sign Five-Year, $60 Million Extension With Hawks

Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Hawks have reached a contract extension agreement with Al Horford, the third overall pick in the 2007 NBA Draft, worth $60 million over five seasons. The deal, Cunningham says, “is expected to include performance incentives,” which Horford and Arn Tellem, his agent, will discuss today in meetings with the team.

The deal will keep Horford in the Highlight Factory through the 2015/16 NBA Season. Had he and the team not reached this agreement, he would have become a restricted free agent next summer.

Al Horford, Hawks Have Until 11:59 To Agree On Extension

If the Atlanta Hawks wish to secure their long-term future with All-Star center Al Horford, they must agree to a contract extension with him by 11:59 this evening. ESPN’s Marc Stein reports the two sides are “still talking” and quotes a source as saying the chances of the two sides reaching an agreement are “50-50.” If that figure seems bleak, consider that Horford is the most likely member of the 2007 Draft class to get an extension.

If the two sides do not reach an accord, Horford will become a restricted free agent next summer.

Al Horford Expects Extension Negotiations To Brush Up Against Deadline

As the Hawks and Al Horford approach the Nov. 1 deadline for signing a contract extension, Horford believes negotiations will last right up until the deadline, says Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

“I kind of have thought this all along, but I think it really is going to come down to the last day,” Horford said.

Cunningham says Horford is “not anxious or nervous” about the situation.

The only two players from the 2007 Draft class to secure extensions so far are Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls, as Cunningham notes.

Al Horford, Hawks Likely To Reach Contract Extension Agreement Before Deadline

Citing “sources close to the situation,” Marc Stein of ESPN.com reports that Hawks center Al Horford is a “strong contender” to receive a contract extension before the Nov. 1 deadline. He notes that Horford’s position as “a borderline All-Star big man”—he indeed made the All-Star team last year—as well as his choice in representation are helping his chances. Stein notes that Arn Tellem, who negotiated a maximum contract for Hawks swingman Joe Johnson earlier this summer, also represents Horford, which could give him an advantage.

Nov. 1 is the deadline for members of the 2007 draft class to reach extension agreements with their current teams. Should Horford not agree to an extension with Atlanta by that time, he will become a restricted free agent next summer, though the strong possibility of a lockout makes predicting anything beyond that point difficult.

The 6-foot-10 Horford is coming off his third NBA season, which was also his finest: he averaged 14.2 points, 9.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1.1 blocks while shooting 55.1 percent from the field. Given those numbers, and the fact that he only turned 24 over the summer, it’s easy to see why the Hawks want to keep him in their long-term plans.

Hawks, Al Horford Begin Discussing Contract Extension

Michael Cunningham of the Atlanta Journal Constitution reports the Atlanta Hawks have begun talking about a contract extension for big man Al Horford with Horford's agent, Arn Tellem. This news comes according to Horford himself, and not the team, as GM Rick Sund declines comment on all personnel matters, says Cunningham.

This season, the deadline for any team to reach an extension agreement is Nov. 1, as Chris Tomasson of NBA FanHouse reported last week. Cunningham notes the most the Hawks can offer Horford is a deal worth approximately $82 million over five seasons.

Horford made the All-Star team last year, averaging career-bests in scoring (14.2), rebounding (9.9), field-goal shooting (55.1 percent), and free-throw shooting (78.9 percent). Though he possesses the size of a typical power forward, Horford has indeed succeeded as the Hawks' center. Atlanta made him the third overall pick in the 2007 Draft, and he has not disappointed.

As a point of reference, center Joakim Noah just inked a $60 million extension over five years with the Chicago Bulls. Given the fact that he's more than a year younger than Noah, and already an All-Star, Horford should probably expect to get a richer deal than Noah did.

Should Horford and the Hawks not agree on extension terms, he will become a restricted free agent next summer, meaning Atlanta will reserve the right to match any offer he receives from another team.