Cavs are reportedly interested in Al Horford

Cleveland could be getting some much-needed help in the front court.

The Cleveland Cavaliers have long needed a third big to pair alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen. They could be getting a good option in the free agent market if they’re able to land Al Horford.

Michael Scotto of HoopsHype has reported that Horford is receiving interest from several teams. That includes the Boston Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Cavs.

The second apron prevents the Cavs from giving any free agent more than the minimum contract. For someone with Horford’s experience, that number would be $3.6 million for next season.

Finding a reserve big to pair with Mobley and Allen is difficult. They need to be versatile enough to play with both, which requires someone who has the skillset to work in lineups as either the four or the five.

Horford can still do that despite turning 40 years old next fall. He spent two-thirds of his time playing power forward last season. This was mostly in lineups that featured either Luke Kornet or Kristaps Porziņģis at center. Horford’s ability to rebound, still defend his position well, and make plays with the ball in his hands as a shooter and playmaker allowed him to do so well.

Adding Horford would provide Cleveland with more balanced lineups. Not being able to count on Dean Wade to provide enough offensive firepower to be in playoff rotations forced De’Andre Hunter to play power forward more often than would’ve been ideal. Horford’s presence would allow Hunter to transition to the starting lineup and play most of his minutes at small forward which is his natural position.

Last season, Horford averaged 9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 2.1 assists on .432/.363/.895 shooting splits in 60 games.

Cleveland currently has three open roster spots — provided that Tyrese Proctor is on a standard deal — that they can fill with only minimum contract players.