2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 5 big men teams should target

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 27: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic between plays against the Philadelphia 76ers in the second quarter at Amway Center on December 27, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry Aaron/Getty Images) /

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NBA Trade Deadline Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images /

2. Al Horford

A trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder may have been just what the doctor ordered for Al Horford. The only question is how long his tenure will last there, as GM Sam Presti has no problem dealing players for as many assets (read: draft picks) as he can.

Horford is quietly having a solid season, averaging 14.0 points per game, his most since the 2016-17 season. He’s also grabbing 6.7 rebounds per game and making an average of 2.0 three-pointers for the first time in his career.

The big man is making a late-career push at protecting the ball better than ever before. He’s averaging a career-low 1.1 turnovers per game and his 7.8 turnover percentage ranks 17th in the league among qualifying players.

Now a trade for Horford is complicated by his age, as he’ll be 35 years old by the end of the year. He’s also set to earn an average of $26.75 million over the next two seasons following the 2020-21 campaign, a tough sell for a player his age.

Still, his ability to pop threes makes him more fit to withstand the typical center wear-and-tear. A reunion with the Celtics makes a lot of sense, but the Dallas Mavericks would be a good fit as well.

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