After being waived by the Bucks, Damian Lillard signed to Portland in free agency on a 3-year, $42 million deal. The deal sends Lillard back to the Trail Blazers after two years apart in a heartwarming reunion. Lillard gets to rehabilitate from his Achilles injury close to his family, while Portland can use Lillard’s veteran experience to mentor a young guard rotation.
$14 million annually for Lillard is an overpay, particularly when considering he will miss most (if not all) of the 2025-26 season with his Achilles tear. However, the Blazers decided to give Lillard a player-friendly deal to ensure Portland can take care of the former face of their franchise.
This move lays the groundwork for a potential Al Horford move that would give the former Atlanta Hawks’ star the same storybook ending to his career. After spending over four years in Atlanta and eight in the NBA, Atlanta can offer Horford a no-trade clause in his contract.
The Hawks should do everything in their power to bring Horford back to Atlanta, where he began his storied career. Offering a no-trade clause would be the sweetener that would all but guarantee Horford returns to Atlanta, similar to Portland’s overpay for Lillard.
Horford is a perfect fit for this team, on the court and emotionally
A critical difference between Horford and Lillard’s reunion with their former teams is that Horford provides much more for Atlanta as a basketball player. Horford started in lieu of newly acquired Hawk Kristaps Porzingis in the 2024 NBA Finals, playing excellent defense while spacing the floor.
The veteran center has a unique skill set set that is a perfect match for Porzingis and Atlanta’s new identity. Horford’s defense has only improved with age, a rare feat in the NBA. Likewise, the former post bruiser has expanded his range to become one of the league’s better stretch fives.
Entering his 19th season, Horford rarely makes mistakes and would provide a calming presence to the young Hawks core. After winning a title with the Celtics and finishing Finals runner-up, Horford has seen what it takes to win a championship firsthand.
Atlanta also needs a contingency plan when Porzingis inevitably misses time for injury. Porzingis is one of the most injury-prone players in the league, so having a competent third-string center that the Hawks trust to play serious playoff minutes is critical to their success.
Of course, Horford’s reunion would be the right move for emotional reasons as well. When Horford left Atlanta, his father Tito Horford criticized the support from the Hawks’ fan base compared to Boston’s. In his first game back, Horford was booed by Atlanta fans.
Nearly a decade later, most people have moved on from this disagreement. The right move would be for the Hawks to bring Horford back to Atlanta to end his legendary career as one of the greatest players in Hawks history.