Sixers Al Horford trade destinations: Raptors
Despite the Toronto Raptors defeating the Philadelphia 76ers in a last-second miracle last postseason, it doesn’t mean that the Sixers shouldn’t be interested in making a trade with the defending champions.
“He’s also the ideal fit next to Embiid and Simmons with his playmaking, floor spacing, and defense. He could be the veteran the 76ers need to get this roster to an NBA Finals.”
This upcoming offseason, both Marc Gasol and Serge Ibaka will be hitting free agency. With Pascal Siakam’s contract extension kicking in, along with Fred VanVleet becoming a free agent, the Raptors might be hard-pressed to keep one, if not both centers.
They need a way to get a legit starting level center this offseason if Gasol and Ibaka sign elsewhere. That’s where the 76ers come in and can offer the Raptors a starting level center.
Draft compensation not included in the graphic above.
Trading Al Horford, Zhaire Smith, 2020 first round pick via the Oklahoma City Thunder, 2020 second round pick via Los Angeles Lakers, and a 2022 lottery protected first round pick (if not conveyed, converts into a 2022 second round pick and a 2023 second round pick) seems to be more than fair compensation for Kyle Lowry.
This seems like a major haul for a 34-year-old point guard, but there’s several things that need to be pointed out. Lowry is still a top-10, if not arguably a top-5 point guard in the NBA. He’s also a native of Philly and it seems likely that he would re-sign with the Sixers as a free agent next offseason and probably for a cheaper deal.
He’s also the ideal fit next to Embiid and Simmons with his playmaking, floor spacing, and defense. He could be the veteran the 76ers need to get this roster to an NBA Finals.