Did the Sixers engage in tampering with Al Horford?
Horford didn't directly address the question Monday in an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show, but he did respond to ESPN's Brian Windhorst saying the the Celtics had "stomped their feet" about teams talking with Horford.
"I just think it's - what can I say? - it's ridiculous," Horford told Patrick, per NBC Sports Boston's Chris Forsberg. "It is what it is. Danny [Ainge] - I love Danny. Danny was really good to me. I know he's definitely frustrated that things didn't work out with us."
At his introductory press conference with the Sixers on July 12, Horford acknowledged that things progressed rapidly in free agency.
"When I decided to opt out, it wasn't an easy decision, but I did it and I felt like there was going to be a lot of options for me," he said. "When June 30 came around, things escalated very, very quickly. There were multiple teams, a lot of strong interest and I had to make what was the best decision for me. When Elton called and spoke with my agent, he laid down his offer, I was very surprised there was that strong interest of me being here and it made the decision very easy. It was very easy and I'm just excited to be a part of this."
It would be naive to think that none of the free agents who signed on the night of the 30th had engaged in discussions with teams before 6 p.m. It's just the way the NBA works right now, fair or not.
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To be upset, as the Celtics reportedly were, does indeed seem rather "ridiculous."
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