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A Guide To The Deadline: Buying Or Selling The Biggest NBA Trade Rumors

By Jon Shames

Feb 12, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) works against New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Sacramento Kings defeat the New York Knicks 106-101 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 12, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins (15) works against New York Knicks small forward Carmelo Anthony (7) during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Sacramento Kings defeat the New York Knicks 106-101 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jim O'Connor-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shows emotion after a made shot against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shows emotion after a made shot against the Indiana Pacers in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Pacers 102-96. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /

Al Horford – Atlanta Hawks

We’ve already established that the Atlanta Hawks are looking for change, and Al Horford is a big reason why.

His play, as per usual, has been stellar this season. Horford remains one of the most fundamentally sound big men in the NBA. He’s been tearing up opponents to the tune of 15.3 points, 3.1 assists and 1.5 blocks per game this year. The numbers don’t even do much justice for Horford, who plays in what is perhaps the most balanced offense in the NBA.

The reason Horford is being shopped is his contract. An impending free agent, Big Al is sure to have plenty of suitors once he hits the market. Atlanta, despite being Horford’s home throughout his entire career, isn’t absolutely certain they will be able to retain him, and could be hesitant to shell out maximum money for a 30-year-old. Per ESPN:

"The expectation is a robust market for Horford, who will be an unrestricted free agent for the first time this summer after nine seasons with the Hawks. Because of the anticipated demand, Horford is likely to receive offers up to the maximum amount, which would be $144.5 million over five years should he stay with the Hawks. Under that kind of contract, Horford would turn 35 (and would earn $32.7 million) in the final year of the deal. Sources say that while ownership has pledged to both spend and to entrust the Hawks’ basketball minds to make basketball decisions, that figure, along with the overall tab — which would be one of the richest contracts in the NBA — has the Hawks’ brass a bit skittish."

Big Al is the second most valuable player Atlanta has right now, only behind Paul Millsap. It’s reasonable to say that the return would be quite high for Horford, especially if he were packaged with Jeff Teague and/or Kyle Korver.

One team that has been constantly linked to Horford is the Boston Celtics. Boston is in need of a go-to scorer and a rim protector, and they have a plethora of assets that they could offer Atlanta, who will be looking to get younger in any potential deal. The Celtics have eight picks in this year’s draft alone, including an unprotected Brooklyn Nets first rounder. If Atlanta does deal Horford, Boston will be the top landing spot for his services.

The Hawks have slipped in the standings and are now, ironically, one game back of the Celtics for the third seed. Even if they claim a top seed in an evenly matched conference, the chances of beating out Cleveland, Toronto, and Boston for a Finals trip are slim. Management knows it, too. The Hawks aren’t winning a championship with their current core, and because of that, Horford is as good as gone.

Verdict: Buy

Next: D-12 - Houston Rockets