Al Horford knows his name is being mentioned in the trade speculation so prevalent at this time of the season.
The Hawks center doesn’t concern himself with such talk.
“I think my priority and my focus is on the team and to keep play and do what I do,” Horford said Wednesday morning before the Hawks played at the 76ers. “This is my team. I feel like Atlanta is my home so my focus is on the team. I’m not going to pay attention to all of that.”
Horford is in the final year of his contract with the Hawks and he will become an unrestricted free agent following the season. That’s a big reason his name has been mentioned. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18 at 3 p.m. The Hawks have had conversations with many teams about many players, the due diligence at this time of the season. No trade is imminent. The Hawks have not made an organizational decision as to whether they will deal at the deadline, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Horford said Wednesday he has not been approached by the organization concerning the deadline.
“I haven’t heard anything from the organization,” he said. “For me, my priority is to focus on the team. My task is in front of me.”
Horford is in his ninth season with the Hawks after joining the team as a 21-year old following being drafted No. 3 overall in 2007. This is the first time he’s had to hear his name involved in trade rumors to such an extent.
“Honestly, no,” Horford said when asked if he is bothered by such talk. “I don’t really read any of the stuff. I’m sure there is a lot of speculation going on but I learned, early in the league since I got here, to leave all the media outlets alone. Even if it’s good or bad, usually, I tend not to look at things.”
Horford is second on the Hawks in points (15.1) and rebounds (7.0) per game.
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