The NBA trade rumors are blazing as we approach the trade deadline and one name to watch is Al Horford of the Atlanta Hawks.
There are some trades that may be pushed to the summer and the Atlanta Hawks continue their stance that they are not trying to trade Al Horford, just trying to see what they can get from him. Even Horford's status as a free agent this summer is not causing them to fold, according to Chris Mannix of The Vertical Podcast at Yahoo.
"According to a couple of executives, Atlanta is not really serious about trading Teague or Horford. They're just looking for one of those Godfather-type of deals," Mannix said.
However, this is the trade deadline and all kinds of posturing are being done by team executives. The Hawks know that their top possible trade partner, the Boston Celtics, have a ton of assets and they want the best package.
The Celtics are not alone, as the Toronto Raptors know that acquiring Horford could make them the powerhouse to challenge the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Raptors also have a pick to dangle as they own the lower pick of the Denver Nuggets and New York Knicks, both of which would be in the lottery if the season ended today.
It is assumed that Toronto would be able to match the personnel that the Celtics would offer as they would probably trade anyone except Kyle Lowry, DeMar DeRozan, DeMarre Carroll or Jonas Valanciunas.
The difference maker in this scenario is the unprotected first round pick of the Brooklyn Nets which belongs to the Celtics. The Nets are the third worst team in the NBA and there's a big chance for them to win the lottery. Bleacher Report took note, however, that the Celtics may not include the Nets pick (the main component of the "offer he can't refuse") for someone who's not under a long-term contract.
"But Boston's organizational philosophy is not to overstate its chances of succeeding in any free-agent situation," B/R's Kevin Ding wrote. "Banking on Horford re-signing with Boston after being traded there is not the Celtics' style, as much as his versatility and reputation as an all-around good guy would be a fantastic fit for Brad Stevens' impressive group."
Will renting Al Horford for a deep playoff run be worth a good shot at the no.1 draft pick? Danny Ainge must answer that question by Thursday-or else Masai Ujiri will.