Report: Sixers Could Look to Move Al Horford in Offseason
The Sixers season, along with the addition of Al Horford haven't exactly gone as planned. Injuries, clunky roster construction, leading to poor floor spacing among other things have led to speculation about everything.
It seems everything is on the table if the Sixers have an early exit in the upcoming NBA Playoffs.
One thing that could be on the table in the offseason, if this season doesn't start generating some positive vibes, is considering trading Al Horford according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA Today.
Short of a deep and surprising run in the playoffs, where do the Sixers go from here? Though the Sixers did not try to move Horford at the trade deadline, that might be a possibility in the off-season – if they can send that contract to another team and get shooting in return - a person with knowledge of the situation told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because he was not authorized to speak about Philadelphia's plans.
Horford as been a major disappointment, especially when sharing the floor with Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. So far the numbers are similar to his career averages, 11.7 points, 6.6 boards, 3.9 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.
Right before the All-Star break, Horford was moved to the bench, but that only lasted two games. When Joel Embiid went out, Horford returned to the starting unit, having one of his best games of the season, scoring 15 points with seven rebounds, nine assists, one steal, one block and four 3-pointers in 34 minutes against the Knicks.
Unless things turn around moving Horford might not be the only change this offseason per Zillgitt, who mentions Brett Brown becoming a fall guy for the teams issues.
Brown could end up being the fall guy even if there are legit reasons beyond his control.
The name he mentions that the team could target is a popular one in the Delaware Valley, current Villanova head coach Jay Wright.
It’s been reported Jay Wright will not leave Villanova for the NBA, but there are people in Philly-area coaching circles who believe at some point there is a financial offer Wright won’t be able to decline. And he wouldn’t have to leave Philadelphia. The Sixers also need to consider whether a college-to-NBA coach is worthwhile given John Beilein’s flameout with Cleveland in less than a season.
Either way, Brown’s job is a topic.