The Celtics are exploring the idea of trading Al Horford, as the franchise looks to make additions in the frontcourt, Jared Weiss of The Athletic reports.
Horford is making $27 million this season, though the big man’s salary for next season ($26.5 million) is only partially guaranteed. Regardless, the market for Horford’s services is expected to be limited.
Boston is also open to trading offseason additions Josh Richardson and Dennis Schroder.
The front office would like to add an impact player who would fit well with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
More NBA Rumors, News, & Notes
- Kings ramping up pursuit of Domantas Sabonis: Sacramento has eyes for the Pacers’ big man and according to Jason Anderson of The Sacramento Bee, the team has included De’Aaron Fox in it’s offerings. The Kings are likely to make some deals ahead of the deadline. Harrison Barnes and Buddy Hield are other candidates to be moved.
- Fallout from Spurs-Nuggets-Celtics deal: Denver acquired Bryn Forbes as part of the three-team deal that saw Juancho Hernangomez head to the Spurs and Bol Bol and PJ Dozier head to Boston. The Spurs also acquired a second-round pick in the trade and while it may seem insignificant, San Antonio simply doesn’t make in-season trades, so this could be a signal that more deals are on the horizon (possible as trade deadline sellers for the first time in a long time).
- Bradley Beal hints at trade deadline moves: Beal was asked about the Wizards’ depth and the coaching staff’s “good problem” of having to figure out which players should get court time (during Tuesday’s media session with FortyEightMinutes and other media). “This is a good problem to have,” Beal explained. “…but on the flip side of it, it may mean that some guys may not play, some guys we may move on from. Some guys may just not get an opportunity.” It’s no secret that the Wizards may be best served to consolidate some of their talent and it sounds like the team’s star is well-aware.
- Lakers shopping Talen Horton-Tucker? THT is in trade rumors yet again with the Los Angeles Times indicating that the team is looking to make roster upgrades. The Lakers still value Horton-Tucker and if ideally, they’d make moves without including the forward, though it’s hard to imagine they get a substantial return without him.
- Pistons took shot at Ben Simmons Trade: Detroit floated a trade package of Jerami Grant, Saqqiq Bey, Kelly Olynyk, and a first-rounder in exchange for Simmons, according to Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report. However, the Sixers were not interested in that proposal. Philadelphia continues to hold out for an All-Star as part of the return for a Simmons deal. There have been numerous reports indicating that the team would be content with holding onto the disgruntled star should they not see an offer of their liking by the trade deadline on February 10.
- NBA extends hardship period: The league will continue to allow teams to pick up additional 10-day contracts through February 17 because of the number of players out due to COVID-19. It was previously set to expire on January 19.
