This upcoming off-season, Mitch Kupchak and the Charlotte Hornets have a golden opportunity to make some smart transactions to benefit the Hornets future.
On the 10th of July 2019, the Philadelphia 76ers officially welcomed Al Horford to their team on a 4 year, $109 Million contract. This decision was polarizing to say the least, with Horford’s age(34 years old at the time of the signing) and fit next to Sixers cornerstones Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons some of the larger concerns.
However, many of the better basketball analysts believed the signing would be immensely beneficial to the Sixers. The 2020 season preview edition of the Thinking Basketball podcast, starring Ben Taylor and The Athletic’s Dave DuFour, involved two sharp basketball minds proclaiming the Sixers as championship contenders(from 5.55).
"Taylor: If I had to place a bet on a team that is most likely to win the NBA championship right now, I’d place it on the Sixers. DuFour: I agree"
Fast forward one year and mention of Horford is met with chagrin and lamentation by Sixers fans. Constant analysis pieces pop up, brainstorming ways for the Sixers to be relieved of Horford’s crutch of a contract.
Whilst the Sixers didn’t seem to shop Horford at the trade deadline, a disappointing playoff series against the Boston Celtics may have nailed the coffin shut on any iteration of a Sixers championship-contending side containing the Dominican big man.
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Therefore, the Sixers may feel inclined to trade Horford to another team rather than allocating 27 Million dollars worth of salary to their backup C position.
Why is this relevant to our beloved Charlotte Hornets? It’s because Al Horford is still owed a hefty 81 million dollars(66 million guaranteed) after this season.
As a result of this financial burden, the Sixers have been rumored to be seeking out trades to shift Horford’s remaining financial obligations off their roster. The Charlotte Hornets are one team that makes for an interesting trade partner with the Sixers.
Now, you’re probably questioning that line of thinking, and to be fair there are clear downsides to a Horford trade. Horford is 34 years old, with a history of knee and Achilles issues. However, overall I believe the Charlotte Hornets and Sixers engaging in a trade involving Al Horford could end up benefiting both parties immensely.