The Boston Celtics' rivalry with the Philadelphia 76ers may spill over into the summer.
The Sixers have "some level of interest" in pending free agents Al Horford, Malcolm Brogdon and Danny Green, the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey reported Monday.
Horford reportedly wants to sign with a contender after declining his player option in Boston, and watching him go to a direct Eastern Conference competitor would be a tough blow for the Celtics. But the 33-year-old is an intriguing option for a Philly squad that could use frontcourt depth alongside Joel Embiid.
The Celtics will have cap space after Horford's departure, and there are reports they could pursue Brogdon in the restricted free agent market. The Milwaukee Bucks point guard is a polished floor general who could help fill Kyrie Irving's (and potentially Terry Rozier's) void at ballhandler.
It appears Boston may compete with Philly for Brogdon, too, and even Green could be a possibility for the C's as a mid-tier contract to fill out their depth.
It's no surprise the Celtics and Sixers are pursuing similar players; Philly hopes to re-sign both Jimmy Butler and Tobias Harris in free agency, but if one or both leave -- like Irving and Horford with Boston -- it will need to add talent via free agency or trade to stay competitive in a tough Eastern Conference.
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