Philadelphia 76ers: Preview of realistic Al Horford trade scenarios

New Orleans Pelicans

Lastly, the New Orleans Pelicans could surface as an under the radar trade partner.

• 76ers acquire Jrue Holiday
• Pelicans receive Al Horford, Zhaire Smith, 2021 first-round pick, 2020 second-round pick

If the Sixers can pull this off, it would immediately increase their chances at winning a championship and form a stacked starting lineup filled with talent.

Imagine how dominant Philly could be offensively and defensively with a lineup of Jrue Holiday, Josh Richardson, Ben Simmons, Tobias Harris, and Joel Embiid….

The window for the Sixers winning a title is now, so acquiring and reuniting with Holiday would be worth giving up future assets in the near future.

Holiday was drafted by Philadelphia and had success there from 2010 -2013. He’s now averaging 19.6 points, 6.9 assists, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.7 steals on 45.2 percent shooting this season as a member of the Pelicans.

He’s an elite two-way player that would provide high value for a contending team.

Philly wouldn’t regret adding Holiday’s contributions like they do now with Horford. In addition, this transaction would create more cap space for them.

The Sixers should aggressively pursue a Holiday-Horford trade package in this upcoming offseason by incentivizing New Orleans.

The Pelicans could be intrigued by this deal since Horford could bring value to the team while still adding future assets that will help shape their rebuild.

Similar to their current franchise position, New Orleans can stay competitive for a playoff spot next season and beyond with Al Horford in the lineup as they continue to build toward the future with an exciting young core as well.

If they don’t re-sign Derrick Favors, who will become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, their starting lineup could look something like this next season if they accept this trade:

• PG Lonzo Ball
• SG J.J. Redick
• SF Brandon Ingram
• PF Zion Williamson
• C Al Horford

Depending on what the Pelicans do in free agency and with the upcoming NBA Draft, it’s possible they could have interest in trading for Horford.

Nevertheless, this potential deal could be a franchise-defining moment for the Philadelphia 76ers and could rise as the best realistic trade scenario for them out of all the options involving Al Horford being shipped out this offseason.