NBA trade talk is nothing new and no matter what time of year it is, social media is always buzzing with speculation. The latest has Ainge eyeing Hawks center Al Horford after news broke that Atlanta could look to make some major changes over the next 12 months.
It appears that despite the success of last season, the front office in Atlanta isn’t satisfied with just making the playoffs. Ownership wants championships, even if it means moving some of their top players.
Horford is among the better big men in the league and it makes sense for Boston, or any other franchise to have interest, but with the 29-year-old having a decent size contract, making a deal before the regular season begins next month could prove difficult. The Celtics, however, have several youngsters and upcoming draft picks they could use to lure the Hawks into making the deal.
Several other rumors have made news in the past week, including Chipper Murphy of Rant Spots predicting the LA Lakers will send Nick Young to Oklahoma City before the trade deadline. Los Angeles is looking to make some more room under the salary cap and the Thunder need a solid scoring threat from off their bench and while this isn’t a big headline deal, it could help both franchises achieve their goals for the upcoming NBA season.
Chicago is another franchise that needs help on the bench, especially at point guard as Derrick Rose hasn’t made it through an entire year lately. Murphy has suggested that the Detroit Pistons’ Brandon Jennings is a long-term answer in the Windy City, and with his ability to score, it could make the Bulls one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference this season.
