"After three seasons of increasingly productive play from center Al Horford, the Hawks have decided they want him for the long term.

The feeling is mutual for Horford, who said team officials and his agent, Arn Tellem, have started negotiations on a contract extension.

The Hawks have until Nov. 1 to make a deal with Horford on an extension that begins in 2011-12 and can be lengthened for up to five years and about $82 million under the NBA's current labor agreement. Horford will make $5.4 million in 2010-11, the final year of his rookie-scale contract.

After considering other factors influencing his decision, Horford said he would like to be part of the team's future.

"How do you see yourself with the team?" Horford said. "Do you think the team is going the right way? Obviously, you have to factor in do you like the city you are i? ... All those things favor me because I feel like we are in a good position. We've been playing together. This is my fourth year with the team, and I love the city of Atlanta."

If the sides don't reach an agreement by the deadline, Horford would become a restricted free agent next summer if the Hawks extend a one-year, $7.1 million qualifying offer by June 30. The Hawks consequently would retain the right to match any offer sheets signed by Horford.

Hawks general manager Rick Sund, citing his policy of not speaking publicly about players' contracts, declined to comment on negotiations with Horford.

The Hawks selected Horford, 24, with the third overall pick in the 2007 draft after he helped lead Florida to two NCAA championships. Eastern Conference coaches voted Horford to his first All-Star team last season, and new Hawks coach Larry Drew recently named Horford as a captain with Joe Johnson and Josh Smith."