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Report: Celtics, Wizards front-runners for Al Horford

Jason Miller / Getty Images Sport / Getty

The Boston Celtics and Washington Wizards have emerged as front-runners for the services of unrestricted free-agent big man Al Horford, according to sources of The Vertical's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Horford could make a decision as early as Saturday evening, reports Wojnarowski.

While the door for Horford to return to the Atlanta Hawks had seemingly been left open even after the signing of center Dwight Howard, it would appear that is no longer the case. How Horford would fit in a frontcourt with Howard and power forward Paul Millsap both financially and in basketball terms is a big question, although Millsap has apparently been on the trade block, according to Wojnarowski.

Horford would be an excellent addition to both the Celtics and Wizards. At this point Boston is itching to land an All-Star caliber player, and the 30-year-old would be a logical fit in their frontcourt. The Celtics and Hawks engaged in trade talks for Horford prior to February's trade deadline.

The Wizards, meanwhile, are desperate for rebounding help, and Horford would represent a significant upgrade over Nene, who is also a free agent. Acquiring Horford could mean Washington putting center Marcin Gortat on the market, as the team also has power forward Markieff Morris.

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