LAS VEGAS -- During All-Star weekend, Isaiah Thomas learned Al Horford might have interest in joining the Boston Celtics. This was about four months before Horford officially hit free agency. Still a member of the Atlanta Hawks, he wanted to hear more about the Celtics and their city.

"He's the guy that kind of asked about how's Boston like," Thomas said Saturday while taking in some Celtics summer league basketball at UNLV's Cox Pavilion. "I didn't know he was that interested, but I knew for him to come to me and ask me that, I knew it was in the back of his head at least."

Even if it began as a harmless conversation, that means the recruiting started in February. By the time it continued with a free-agency meeting early this month, Thomas believed Horford was seriously considering a relocation to New England. And after sitting down with the four-time All-Star, Thomas figured the Celtics had done enough to convince Horford to leave the Atlanta Hawks.

"I knew that," Thomas said. "I wrapped that one up. I just didn't want to say anything. I knew he was coming to Boston.

"I just knew, the way the meeting went. He was either picking us or a few other teams that just didn't fit for him. It only made sense. We're a young team, we need a guy like that, and then you can't turn down as much money as he got."

The Hawks reportedly put together a last-ditch effort to keep Horford, but the big man ultimately agreed to sign a four-year, $113-million contract with the Celtics. The paperwork officially went through Friday night, giving Boston a big man who should upgrade the team at both ends of the court.

How well should Horford fit into Brad Stevens' preferred style?

"When we were in the meeting Coach said, 'The type of player you are is what we want,'" Thomas said. "We've got guys like Amir Johnson, guys that can switch onto guards, chase guys off the 3-point line, and so versatile on both ends of the floor. He only fits into what we're going to do. And I know he's not going to step on anybody's toes because our system is kind of free opportunity to take advantage of. And I'm excited. I'm very excited."

"He can do multiple things," Thomas added. "He's not just a pick-and-pop guy. He can pick-and-roll, he can finish at the basket and also stretch his shooting ability out to the 3-point line. It's just another guy that adds onto the versatility of this team. I'm excited man, I'm excited for another All-Star caliber player to be on our team."

For more discussion of how Horford will help the Celtics, listen to the latest episode of the Locked on Celtics podcast with the Rainin' Js, featuring me and Red's Army's John Karalis: