NBA Trade Rumor: Al Horford reiterates love for Atlanta

As trade rumors continue to swirl around Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford, he is doing his best to remain focused on the task at hand. Still, there is a level of uncertainty in regards to Horford's place with the Hawks long term. That is the case for just about every player that enters unrestricted free agency for the first time especially one like Horford who will be highly sought after by multiple teams.

Horford hasn't given any indication publicly on what the plan might be this summer. That is a smart business decision and one that he frankly has to make. Those that are suggesting that he already has one foot out the door in regards to Atlanta might want to take a step back. Horford reiterated his love for the city earlier this week to USATODAY's Sam Amick.

"I’m very happy in Atlanta," Horford said when asked if the Hawks had reason to be concerned that he might leave. "I’ve said it repeatedly. I love the city. My family, we all live in Atlanta, we stay there in the offseason, so my focus is just to keep playing and taking it day by day and, right now, it’s to enjoy this weekend. … Just taking it day by day. That’s the only thing I can do. We really can’t worry about three or four months from now."

Lost in all of the trade rumors of the last week is that the Hawks remain very much in the picture to retain Al Horford this summer. They will always be the favorite as long as they have his bird rights which allows them to give him a longer and more lucrative deal than any other potential suitor.

The Hawks don't have to deal Horford and are under no pressure to do so. That is something important to keep in mind as inch closer to Thursday's trade deadline.