Philadelphia 76ers: Debunking popular Al Horford trade hypotheticals

Chicago Bulls

The Bulls hired Billy Donovan, who coached Horford to back-to-back NCAA championships at Florida. The Bulls are also ready to take the next step in the East, with a strong young core and plenty of firepower offensively. With a coach who isn’t actively harming them at every possible turn, things are looking up.

So, my question is: why on earth would the Bulls trade for Horford?

Wendell Carter Jr. and Lauri Markkanen are a promising frontcourt duo who deserve more time to grow together. As far as young backup centers go, there’s a lot to like about Daniel Gafford. Why siphon away cap space and take reps away from good young talent so rehab Horford’s dying career?

Does Horford, in theory, make the Bulls a better team? Sure. I mean, he may even rekindle some vintage Celtics magic when the personnel around him, you know, fits. But even so, Horford is not a postseason needle-mover for Chicago, a team still years away from true contention. The Bulls are in the early days and have some financial flexibility. Two and a half years of Horford’s albatross contract doesn’t have much appeal.

Do not count on Chicago answering the phone, much less taking Horford off Philadelphia’s hands.