76ers intend to sign Al Horford

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher

The Philadelphia 76ers intend to sign free agent center Al Horford once the window begins on July 6^th. Horford will receive a four-year, $109 million deal.

Horford opted out of the final year of his contract with the Boston Celtics to become a free agent. He could have received a similar contract from the Celtics, but elected to sign with the up-and-coming 76ers.

The 76ers stole away Horford, who was highly coveted in free agency.

According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojarnowski, Horford will receive $97 million in guaranteed money with an additional $12 million tied to if Philadelphia wins championships.

Horford will be the emotional leader of the young core in the City of Brotherly Love. Head Coach Brett Brown said Jimmy Butler was the emotional leader of the team — but he has been traded in a sign-and-trade to the Miami Heat.

Philadelphia is receiving a package involving Josh Richardson in the deal.

The 33-year-old spent the last three seasons with the Celtics after playing the first nine seasons of his career with the Atlanta Hawks. Last season, he appeared in 68 games, including 68 starts.

He averaged 13.6 points per game. He also averaged 6.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.3 blocks in 29 minutes per game.