Boston Celtics reportedly emerge as favorites if Atlanta Hawks elect to deal Al Horford

The Atlanta Hawks are reportedly asking other NBA teams to "wow" them with offers to acquire Al Horford, but if one of those proposals comes to fruition, it appears that the Boston Celtics may be on the other end of the transaction.

A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com brings word that Danny Ainge and the Celtics have come to the forefront in talks that could land Horford in Boston.

The Atlanta Hawks have not made a decision on whether they will trade Al Horford but a league source tells CSNNE.com that the Boston Celtics have emerged as one of the favorites to land him if the Hawks decide to part ways with the veteran forward.

It must be noted (and, frankly, emphasized greatly) that most consider a trade involving Horford to be unlikely at this juncture. However, the Celtics have a great number of interesting assets -- highlighted by multiple first round picks, including a 2016 unprotected first rounder from Brookyln -- to offer and Boston seems to be willing to jump into the fray with both feet when it comes to acquiring a "star"-level player.

Atlanta's overall organizational direction will certainly influence its decision on what to do with Horford in the next 24 hours, but Boston's young pieces (Avery Bradley, Kelly Olynyk, etc.) and the picks they can bring to the table could realistically form a reasonable package. No specifics are available at this time, but Ainge is known as one of the more active general managers in the NBA, and we could hear more about this on Wednesday evening and into Thursday

Stay tuned.