Boston Celtics free agency: Al Horford believes team will attract free agents

May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
May 23, 2017; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward Kevin Love (0) defends Boston Celtics center Al Horford (42) during the fourth quarter in game four of the Eastern conference finals of the NBA Playoffs at Quicken Loans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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For the same reasons Al Horford was drawn to the Boston Celtics are the same reasons he believes free agents will find the team attractive.

Add a trip to the Eastern Conference Finals and Al Horford believes the Boston Celtics will be even more attractive to free agents this offseason.

As the team is already considered strong favorites to lure Gordon Hayward out of Utah, last year’s signing of Horford proved that the city of Boston could bring in the big star.  In many ways, the team has an even deeper attraction than what swayed the big man a year ago.

To go with their deep playoff run, they have the No. 1 pick overall in this year’s NBA draft, one of the best coaches in the entire league and young players with playoff experience.  They also have two stars in Isaiah Thomas and Horford ready to take that next step where the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers currently reside.

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With players such as Hayward, Blake Griffin and Paul Milsap out there, Horford believes the Celtics have shown enough this year to be high on their lists of options.

"“I haven’t really spoken to anyone.  But if they’re looking at us, they’re looking at a team that plays hard, that plays together, that plays like a team,” Horford said, via the Boston Herald.  “There’s a lot of potential here.  We were a consistent team all year, and I feel like the future is very bright.  So if I’m a free agent I’m looking at all those things.  Add in the great city we’re in and the tradition here.  This looks like a very special place I’m sure guys want to be a part of.”"

The 53 wins was a big step for the Celtics.  In the process, they were able to develop young players like Terry Rozier and Jaylen Brown.  Although they were pretty much embarrassed by LeBron James and the Cavaliers, the experience should help in the progression of the team as a whole.

As close as they came to landing Kevin Durant along with Horford, the Boston Celtics should be right in the mix of luring a big name this summer.  Even if they don’t get the big star, there are many lower tier players who can help.  That may be where the attraction really comes in to play.

Next: Boston Red Sox: Jackie Bradley Jr. zoning in and finding his stride

For more news and rumors surrounding the Boston Celtics and NBA free agency, keep it locked here at Chowder and Champions.