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NBA Trade Rumors: 15 Teams That Should Trade For Al Horford

By Gerald Bourguet

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 /
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Jan 3, 2016; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Robin Lopez (8) looks to pass while defended by Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the third quarter at Madison Square Garden. New York Knicks won 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Honorable Mentions:

New York Knicks:

The New York Knicks take their first step toward assembling a title contender around Carmelo Anthony in this trade, feeling somewhat comfortable that Phil Jackson, tons of cap space and the allure of the Big Apple would be enough to re-sign Horford over the summer.

The Hawks get a quality defensive center who’s signed on through the 2018-19 season and a future first-rounder to make up for the loss of Horford. But Atlanta might get better offers than this, they may not want Robin Lopez for that long if they go for a full-scale rebuild, and what the Knicks are really looking for are point guards in free agency like Mike Conley this summer or Russell Westbrook next summer.

Toronto Raptors:

LOL, am I right? The Hawks wind up getting back the player whose departure led them down this path of considering a roster shakeup in the first place? Still though, getting DeMarre Carroll back would help their long-term need on the wing and a future draft pick of some sort (one first-rounder or two seconds) would be a nice addition as well.

The Toronto Raptors have played very well despite Carroll’s absence and would bolster their improved defense with Horford’s arrival. But with Carroll signed on for the long-term and Jonas Valanciunas occupying that center spot, Horford’s two-way fit at the 4 might be something of a work in progress — even if this tantalizing move might put Raptors into the contender category.

Portland Trail Blazers:

The Portland Trail Blazers have their backcourt figured out and are currently occupying a playoff spot. If they want to keep that spot the rest of the way (thereby forfeiting their first round draft pick this year), trading for Al Horford would be a move to help for the short-term and possibly the long-term as well.

Horford would strengthen the roster for a playoff run and the Blazers would make re-signing him their top priority this summer. They’d sacrifice a solid wing player (Al-Farouq Aminu), a young stretch-4 with upside (Noah Vonleh) and a future first-rounder in the process, but even that package might not be enough to hold Atlanta’s interest, and Portland might be better off falling out of the postseason to keep their pick and carry forward with the youth movement.

Next: No. 15

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