Al Horford's reported Celtics exit has some thinking he'll join Kings

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The Al Horford era in Boston reportedly is over.

After three seasons with the Celtics, the All-Star big man reportedly has decided to opt out of his contract and will look to sign a longer-term deal elsewhere, The Boston Herald's Steve Bulpett reported Tuesday, citing league sources. 

Horford arrived in Boston ahead of the 2016-17 season, viewing the C's as a team that was about to take the leap into NBA Finals contention. Three years later, Kyrie Irving's expected departure has made Danny Ainge's giant asset Jenga board crumble, and now Horford appears to be on the market as he looks for a chance to win a title during the latter stages of his career. 

This news, naturally, sent Twitter into a tizzy, and it had some pinpointing the Kings as a likely destination for Big Al.

https://twitter.com/danfavale/status/1141208221186756609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

The Kings, fresh off a 39-43 season where they showed they were one of the up-and-coming young teams in the league, are projected to have the cap space to sign Horford to the long-term deal he reportedly is seeking.

Horford, obviously, would be a great veteran piece on what is a young, inexperienced team. The Florida product has been the model of maturity and consistency during his NBA career and would be a respected veteran voice for a young Kings team. With Sacramento looking to make a leap into the playoffs next season, Horford could serve as a steadying force -- the same way he was in Boston -- and help the Kings navigate the rigors of the NBA season.

Putting Horford next to Marvin Bagley III also would give the Kings a loaded frontcourt that has the ability to dominate the glass. Horford's intelligence and veteran savvy on the defensive end of the floor is something that could help the Kings go up a level as they look to move above the .500-mark next season. 

Now, are the Kings in a position to take a leap and potentially win a title during the next few seasons? That part's a little iffy.

[RELATED: What Barnes' decision to opt out means for Kings]

NBA free agency begins at 3:00 p.m. PT on June 30.

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