Philadelphia 76ers: 5 roster moves they must make

2. Trade Al Horford

When the 76ers signed Al Horford last summer, it should have heralded a period of sustained success. Unfortunately for the franchise and Horford, this was not the case. Instead of this, the 76ers slipped back the standings.

Horford has been a key locker room piece during his time with the Atlanta Hawks and the Boston Celtics. There would have been the hope that his presence could make every player on Philly’s roster more accountable.

He has also been a tough competitor on the court which should have helped get this team over the hump and at least make the conference finals. He averaged a respectable 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 0.9 blocks and 0.8 steals in 30.2 minutes per game.

However, numbers do not tell the full story. He just did not seem to jell with the offense. Thanks to the presence of Embiid, Horford played further away from the hoop for longer periods than he has done in the past.

As a result, he shot the ball at 45.0 percent from the field, the lowest field goal percentage of his career. On top of that, the five-time All-Star took 4.2 shots from deep a game, the most since he added the 3-point shot to his bag of tricks five years ago. His 35.0 percentage was the second-worst in that time.

Horford has three more years on his deal, worth an average of $27 million per year. The last year is not guaranteed but it is key that the 76ers trade him for a player who is more suited to their style and needs.

If the OKC Thunder are able to sign Danilo Gallinari and then trade him to the 76ers, this would be the perfect match. He is a big man who can truly space the floor which is what the 76ers were hoping Horford would be when they signed him.