The Houston Rockets have identified Al Horford as their top priority in free agency.

Horford will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his career since being drafted by the Hawks in 2007.

The Rockets are not expected to bring back Dwight Howard.

Ryan Anderson is also a possibility for the Rockets.

The Atlanta Hawks signed Kent Bazemore to a $4 million contract in 2014 and he figures to receive a substantial pay raise this offseason in free agency.

“I would love to return here,” Bazemore said this week during an exit interview following the Hawks’ playoff loss to the Cavaliers. “I think the past two years I’ve taken a tremendous leap. Not only my professional year but personally. I’m growing more into myself and figuring out life. This place as a special place in my heart. I grew up right up the street in North Carolina. Super close to home. Not close enough. Has its perks here. The weather is great. Golf is great. God is great.”

Bazemore averaged 11.6 points, 5.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 27.8 minutes over 75 games, including 68 starts.

“I go back and I saw it happen with DeMarre Carroll, his growth,” Millsap said. “Kent Bazemore came down the same road. Given an opportunity and being put in the right situation, he strived and he did great. We love Kent and his personality and what he brings to this team. We definitely would like to have him back.”

The Atlanta Hawks were eliminated in the second round of the playoffs by the Cleveland Cavaliers in four games, immediately beginning a pivotal offseason in which Al Horford will be a free agent.

Horford will be one of the NBA's most highly coveted free agents but the Hawks can pay him the most money and also give him one more season than any rival team.

“I’m not thinking about that,” Horford said of free agency. “We just had a tough loss. My main priority tomorrow is to meet with the team and the coaches one last time (for the season) and go from there and figure out how we can be a better group.” 

Horford was the third overall pick of the 2007 NBA Draft by the Hawks.

“It means a lot,” Horford said of Atlanta. “I’ve set up here with my family. We all live here. We live here in the summer. We live here year-round. I’m very grateful for all the people here. They have taken me in from the very first day, even though I was a Gator. They loved me. I really love the city.”