The Philadelphia 76ers made waves Sunday evening, signing Al Horford to a four-year, $109 million contract.
Jimmy Butler has moved on to greener pastures, allowing the Philadelphia 76ers to sign Al Horford to an expensive four-year contract. The Sixers now have a core locked into place for the next 4+ seasons in Horford, Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris.
There are questions about the fit. Horford is a natural center and, at 33, doesn’t align with the Sixers’ current timeline. Given a potentially fleeting competitive window, however, Philadelphia needs to put forth its best possible rotation. Horford is a major get.
In his 12th NBA season, Horford averaged 13.6 points, 6.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists in 29.0 minutes per game. He was unequivocally the most important member of Boston’s rotation, even if Kyrie Irving‘s talent exceeds his on paper. Horford’s versatility, basketball I.Q. and locker room presence will be sorely missed in Boston.
Despite the concerns — both long and short-term — the Sixers should enter next season with tremendous optimism. There’s a real chance Philadelphia is the best defensive team in the NBA next season. The offense doesn’t lack firepower either.
Here are five things to consider when forming an opinion on the deal.