Report: Pelicans interested in Horford but fear they would be outbid

The New Orleans Pelicans are interested in signing pending free agent Al Horford but fear they would be outbid for the center on the open market, a source told Marc Stein of The New York Times.

Pelicans fans were sent into a tizzy Saturday when Horford appeared to follow Zion Williamson and Jrue Holiday on Instagram, suggesting an agreement with New Orleans was in the works.

Horford is expected to become a free agent after reportedly turning down his $30.1-million player option for next season with the Boston Celtics. The two sides were said to be renegotiating a three-year deal worth less money per season, but the big man quickly cut off talks with the franchise after disagreeing on an annual salary.

The Dominican center is reportedly seeking a four-year pact in free agency. Along with the Pelicans, the Sacramento Kings, Philadelphia 76ers, Dallas Mavericks, Los Angeles Lakers, and LA Clippers are all said to be interested in the 33-year-old.