2019 NBA free agency: 5 potential landing spots for Al Horford

1. Houston Rockets

Chris Paul has requested to be traded. Chris Paul and Daryl Morey are both saying there has been no trade demand by Chris Paul, nor has there been a deteriorating relationship with James Harden. The Rockets are willing to move players like P.J. Tucker and Eric Gordon. The Rockets are willing to move Clint Capela. Change of some sort is coming in Houston.

Meanwhile, Horford is expected to opt out of his deal and sign a four year-deal elsewhere. The Celtics have needed a rim-rolling, shot-blocking, strong-rebounding big man since Kevin Garnett left.

A sign-and-trade of some sort just makes too much sense.

If the Celtics convinced Horford to agree to terms with Houston and told Daryl Morey they’d also send over two of their first round picks in Thursday’s draft (the No. 14 and No. 20 overall selections) in exchange for Eric Gordon and Clint Capela… well.

The Rockets would be receiving the type of big that Mike D’Antoni loves — a passing, defensive-minded, unselfish, 3-point shooting big. They also would be receiving a chance to add cheap talent as James Harden and Chris Paul’s salaries balloon.

The Celtics would receive the big man they’ve needed since they believed anything was possible and also a player who can provide instant offense off the bench (something they’ve been sorely lacking), or start if need be.

Losing two first round picks hurts, but Danny Ainge and company should have no interest in adding three rookies to their roster and were willing to include everyone and everything but Jayson Tatum for Anthony Davis. Now that Davis is in Los Angeles and Horford, Rozier, Morris and Irving are all likely leaving, they have to take some chances to keep the Celtics competitive.

Horford would continue to compete for a ring in a suddenly wide open Western Conference, while Boston would stay competitive and young for the near future and beyond.

The only potential hiccup in this hypothetical is that the Rockets are expected to pursue Jimmy Butler. He’d likely take priority over any signing or trade for Horford.