Philadelphia 76ers: 5 potential trade destinations for Al Horford

Sixers Al Horford trade destinations: Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers seems like an unlikely destination due to the fact that they are in a rebuild, but there is some logic behind the idea. Right now the Cavaliers have four legit starting big men. Andre Drummond, Kevin Love, Larry Nance Jr., and Tristan Thompson. They also have Ante Zizic, but he’s more of a third-string center if anything.

Thompson is set to be a free agent this offseason and Drummond could opt out of the final year of his deal and become one as well. Both centers are in the primes of their career and could look to join a contender at this point.

Both Love and Nance are naturally power forwards, so if both Thompson and Drummond leave in the offseason, the Cavs could be thin at the center position. Love has also made it clear that he not happy on a rebuilding team and Cleveland will probably shop him this offseason as well. Below is a potential trade that could land Horford with the Cavs.

Draft compensation not included in the graphic above.

It’s essentially swapping Horford for Love, plus the rebuilding Cavaliers get 2020 second round pick via the Atlanta Hawks and 2020 second round pick via the New York Knicks, which is more than a fair trade. If anything this trade favors Cleveland in terms of trade value, but the Philadelphia 76ers get a player that fits much better next to their dynamic duo.

Having played next to LeBron James and Kyrie Irving in the past should help Love transition to the Sixers. Love has proven to be a quality stretch big and more than willing to be a spot-up shooter, although it’s not his best skill. Love’s a monster in the post, while also a quality (and willing) passer and well as one of the better rebounders in the NBA.

While Love is a liability on the defensive end, he’s much more used to guarding perimeter players than Horford is. Love is essentially what the Sixers hoped Horford would become on offense and what Horford has shown to be on defense this season. It’s not the best upgrade, but it’s an upgrade none the less.

On the flip side, the Cavs get a playmaking center that can run the pick-and-roll with Collin Sexton and Darius Garland. Both young guards have struggled with playmaking so having a big on their roster like Horford would help. The only down part is that like Love, Horford doesn’t fit their longterm plans due to his age, but he’s should be able to excel playing his natural position on a young roster.