Al Horford

[King P]

So now that the Dwight saga is finally over, I've been thinking about ways we could improve our team, The backcourt is great, but I feel like we still need an improvement on the frontcourt. Brook & Hump are a good tandem, but I don't think that would be a frontcourt that could make us a contender. So then I thought about who we could target that would make a perfect fit next to Lopez.

Al Horford. I've watch him since college, and I've always been impressed. Very good offense, great rebounder, excellent defender. Much better than Hump. And he's been playing out of position his whole career so far, as he's a natural power forward. Pair him with Lopez and you have a frontcourt that could do damage.

Then I thought, "would ATL even trade Horford?" And the more I thought about it, the more I think it could happen. The new GM Danny Ferry has made it clear he is looking to blow up the team and rebuild from scratch". They already got rid of Johnson & Williams, and I could see them trading Josh Smith and Horford as well".

Then I thought "what would we trade?". So I thought of what we have that could be attractive to them. Of course we could give them Hump. Hump would actually be an attractive piece for them. He makes 12 million a year, same amount as Horford. Only difference is he has a 2 year contract as opposed to Horford who has 4 years left. Then throw in Marshon Brooks, who ATL has shown interest in (they wanted him in the JJ deal). Throw in another player (Bogs, Tyshawn Taylor, Toko) and a 1st round pick, and I actually think you have a good deal right there. Not perfect but I think they would consider it.

So what do you guys think? Do you think Horford would make a great fit in BK? Should we try and make a deal for him in the future?

[llemon]

So now that the Dwight saga is finally over, I've been thinking about ways we could improve our team, The backcourt is great, but I feel like we still need an improvement on the frontcourt. Brook & Hump are a good tandem, but I don't think that would be a frontcourt that could make us a contender. So then I thought about who we could target that would make a perfect fit next to Lopez.

Al Horford. I've watch him since college, and I've always been impressed. Very good offense, great rebounder, excellent defender. Much better than Hump. And he's been playing out of position his whole career so far, as he's a natural power forward. Pair him with Lopez and you have a frontcourt that could do damage.

Then I thought, "would ATL even trade Horford?" And the more I thought about it, the more I think it could happen. The new GM Danny Ferry has made it clear he is looking to blow up the team and rebuild from scratch". They already got rid of Johnson & Williams, and I could see them trading Josh Smith and Horford as well".

Then I thought "what would we trade?". So I thought of what we have that could be attractive to them. Of course we could give them Hump. Hump would actually be an attractive piece for them. He makes 12 million a year, same amount as Horford. Only difference is he has a 2 year contract as opposed to Horford who has 4 years left. Then throw in Marshon Brooks, who ATL has shown interest in (they wanted him in the JJ deal). Throw in another player (Bogs, Tyshawn Taylor, Toko) and a 1st round pick, and I actually think you have a good deal right there. Not perfect but I think they would consider it.

So what do you guys think? Do you think Horford would make a great fit in BK? Should we try and make a deal for him in the future?

Can't imagine Hawks make that trade.

[King P]

Can't imagine Hawks make that trade.

I don't think they would make the trade exactly as I proposed. But those pieces could be attractive to a team like the Hawks, who are trying to rebuild.

[drejeronfire]

If the Nets could have gotten Horford they likely would have obtained him instead of Joe Johnson... This is the definition of a pipe dream.

Whether it's right or wrong (and it's wrong) the Hawks want to build around Al Horford.

The Nets will have to solve their PF woes in another manner.

[King P]

If the Nets could have gotten Horford they likely would have obtained him instead of Joe Johnson... This is the definition of a pipe dream.

Whether it's right or wrong (and it's wrong) the Hawks want to build around Al Horford.

The Nets will have to solve their PF woes in another manner.

Not true. Joe Johnson was their #1 target. They were aiming for him because they wanted to show D0Will they were serious about improving, so they were looking for somebody to team him up with in the backcourt and convince him to stay. And according to D-Will, it worked (remember, he said the JJ trade swayed his decision and convinced him to stay with BK).

And I have not heard anything about the Hawks wanting to build around Horford.

[DarkXaero]

Not a realistic target at all. Horford's contract isn't even that bad iirc, and he's a very valuable piece to them.

[llemon]

Can't imagine Hawks make that trade.

I don't think they would make the trade exactly as I proposed. But those pieces could be attractive to a team like the Hawks, who are trying to rebuild.

And Al Horford is the kind of player you rebuild around

[King P]

Can't imagine Hawks make that trade.

I don't think they would make the trade exactly as I proposed. But those pieces could be attractive to a team like the Hawks, who are trying to rebuild.

And Al Horford is the kind of player you rebuild around

I think he is a very good player, a complimentary piece to a team. But not somebody you build your team around.

[llemon]

Guess we disagree, KP

[PetroNet]

Can't imagine Hawks make that trade.

I don't think they would make the trade exactly as I proposed. But those pieces could be attractive to a team like the Hawks, who are trying to rebuild.

I cant see atlanta doing the deal. horford is 26, worth his contract and locked up for 4 years. he and smith are a good group you can rebuild around while not being awful.

i cant see a humphries/brooks/pick package getting it done. i dont think brooks has nearly the value some nets fans think he does. sure they wanted him in the JJ trade, but thats mostly because they got squat in that deal talent wise.

[enetric]

I spoke to this in the other thread...but Hump the player is NOT an attractive piece at his salary. 12mil per...Hump is way over paid. SO his trade value will be once he is an expiring contract.

Any realistic shot at a Horford would be two seasons from now. At that stage...IF Atlanta was looking to move on from him, and IF we had youth that has performed well to include in a deal...sure I can see that. But Hump the player? No. Lets not have delusions here. If Hump is dealt before 2013-2014 then it will be US dumping him. Not turning him into something better.

[King P]

I disagree. Hump in this case would be a evaluable asset.

He's making the same money annually as Horford, but in half the years. That would be great for Atlanta if they were serious about rebuilding. Hump is still a good player, and then after this year he becomes an expiring. They can easily flip him for some more assets along with the ones we would be giving them. More assets and more cap space for them

[PetroNet]

I disagree. Hump in this case would be a evaluable asset.

He's making the same money annually as Horford, but in half the years. That would be great for Atlanta if they were serious about rebuilding. Hump is still a good player, and then after this year he becomes an expiring. They can easily flip him for some more assets along with the ones we would be giving them. More assets and more cap space for them

your looking at it the wrong why. why does atlanta need salary releif in 2015? when hump is expired horford will be owed 2/24. id much rather have horford at 2/24 then cap space. worst case if you want the cap space you can deal horford in 2015 for cap space+better assets then marshon brooks.

[enetric]

Hump isnt worth anywhere close to 12 mil. In this league when you are vastly overpaid, even if you have talent or a needed skill set....your best trade value wont be for the player but for the final year of his contract.

There is no logic to turning Al Horford at the same per year cash into Hump with two years remaining. No one trades quality for a bunch of stuff unless there is a major incentive. So you cant add B level prospects to him and say...hey good trade for Atlanta. In Hump's walk year if Horford had multi years left and Atlanta had reason to dump him...yes. But in the next year? Why do it?

Getting Josh Smith two years from now should he sign a new long term contract makes more sense actually. As in the way Denver dumped Nene in year 1. Say...its not working out in some way. Those deals happen. But the Horford Hump thing this year? Highly unlikely.

[Netaman]

The only way you get Horford (or any other player of value) is if one of our unexpected cheap players excels. If Brooks can be an efficient 13 point guy in limited minutes off the bench, if Taylor is blowing by people like Eric Bledsoe was as an LAC, or if Toko's getting his hands in passing lanes.

Let's not forget that throughout the Carmelo saga who was the untouchable for the Knicks? Landry Fields - 2nd round pick with 2 months of NBA success. NBA personnel men have shorter memories than most any other sport, meaning here's the recipe for virtually any big trade we can try to make:

1 of our young guys playing well (most likely is Brooks)
+ first round picks (and/or rights to Bogdonovic)
+ Humphries to a 3rd team (for an expiring & fringe player)
Borderline all star who is either discontent or team is looking to save money

Now we just need to hope one of our guys starts fast, Horford (and the Hawks) start slow, and at the deadline Danny Ferry decides that at 27 years old Horford isn't a centerpiece to build around long term. They're going into a rebuild with 1 discontent star and very few extra draft picks. Does a 15/9 guy who does all the little things really move the needle? Hopefully Danny Ferry will see it that way as well.

[SpeedyG]

Here's a scenario...what if...

Teletovic comes in and is as advertised...a "stretch four" who can not only shoot lights out but score some from the post as well as drive in. Like a Dirk (ouch, I can't believe I said that) in a smaller, but wider frame.

Let's say Brook remains the same player...a good post scorer who is not a great rebounder and defender.

Do you do Lopez for someone like Horford (or another big man like him) for better balance in the front court?

[enetric]

I just dont want to get smaller personally. And I like Horford a lot but I dont like him at center or rather I should say...he is better served if they could move him to the 4.

I prefer the idea of keeping Brook Lopez if it were possible to say offer up Teletovic/Hump in a year for Horford at the 4.

This of course is also assuming Teletovic is not an uber steal which was your point. Then? We could have a different discussion...but who is to say we wouldnt be looking to at keeping Lopez/Teletovic and trying to turn Hump/Brooks/picks into an upgrade at SF and making Crash a very expensive 6th man?

[Netaman]

Moving Brook has to be the last resort. I know his ceiling and ability are highly debateable, but at the same time he’s gone head to head against the best defensive centers in the league and scored on them. That has a huge value even beyond the head to head because he pulls them away from anchoring in the paint as well as anyone in the league. If Teletovic ends up being the next very good Euro his value will either be as a great 6th man or in a trade.

[llemon]

Moving Brook has to be the last resort. I know his ceiling and ability are highly debateable, but at the same time he’s gone head to head against the best defensive centers in the league and scored on them. That has a huge value even beyond the head to head because he pulls them away from anchoring in the paint as well as anyone in the league. If Teletovic ends up being the next very good Euro his value will either be as a great 6th man or in a trade.

Can't move Lopez until Jan. 15th. Let's see what he looks like by that time.

[Rip2137]

If you think moving Marvin Williams and Joe Johnson means the hawks are bottom of the barrell rebuilding team, I think you are over-estimating the impact of Joe Johnson and Marvin Williams.