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Boston Celtics: Trade Targets Who’d Help Attract Kevin Durant

By Maxwell Ogden

May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder small forward Kevin Durant (35) shoots the ball against the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) moves the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) moves the ball against Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) during the second half in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

Position: Forward/Center
Age: 29
Salary: Unrestricted Free Agent
Slash Line: .505/.344/.798
Season Averages: 32.1 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 1.8 ORPG, 3.2 APG, 1.5 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.1 3PM

The Boston Celtics could acquire Al Horford by merely signing him to a contract in free agency. Doing so would severely limit its financial flexibility, however, and thus eradicate its odds of acquiring Kevin Durant.

If the Atlanta Hawks don’t want to lose Horford for nothing—and they won’t—then executing a sign-and-trade would prove to be a fruitful endeavor for both parties.

His numbers aren’t as gaudy as DeMarcus Cousins’, but like Boogie, Horford does—literally—everything on both ends of the floor. He’s a skilled post player with a lethal midrange game, consistent 3-point range, tight enough handles to bring the ball up in transition, and brilliant court vision for a big man.

For those who doubt his defensive consistency, Horford was the starting center for the No. 2 team in the NBA in points allowed per 100 possessions in 2015-16.

Horford is the ultimate upgrade over the Celtics’ current crop of big men. He plays a very similar style, but he can be active for well over 30 minutes a night while going toe-to-toe with the league’s elite big men at both power forward and center.

There’s a reason the coaches have named Horford to four All-Star Games as the fans routinely overlook him: he’s one of the most respected players in the NBA.

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