NBA Rumors: 3 Players that could join the Houston Rockets this summer

#2 Al Horford

Al Horford has stated his desire to play on a contending team next season

Al Horford was among the Boston Celtics' best performers during the 18-19 season, although the 33-year-old has expressed his desire to play on a contending team next season. Without Kyrie Irving, the Celtics may struggle to compete in the immediate future, and Chris Forsberg of Yahoo Sports believes the Rockets could be an option for Horford.

Al Horford might be more intrigued by win-now possibilities than sticking around to see if Boston's 2018 playoff core - albeit with a now-healthy Gordon Hayward - could find that old Kyrie-less magic. He might alert Boston that he'd prefer to play for a more surefire contender, but is willing to help the team recoup assets in that process.

Horford could either opt into the $30.1 million final year of his contract and be dealt to Houston in a deal that could bring back, say, Clint Capela and assets. Or Horford could opt out and the teams could try to find a workable sign-and-trade in which Horford still gets longer-term security and a chance to chase a ring.

Horford has spent three seasons with the Celtics, and during the 18-19 season, he averaged 13.6 points and 6.7 rebounds per game.