OKC Thunder: 3 teams to pursue an Al Horford trade with

OKC Thunder trade partner No. 2) Dallas Mavericks

Recently, we discussed how the Dallas Mavericks could be a viable trade partner for the OKC Thunder during this year’s deadline, specifically citing their bevy of weak spots within their championship-aspiring roster as a reason as to why.

Being that one of their biggest weak spots — like the Raptors — is within their frontcourt, we believe that Horford could be a quality addition to Mark Cuban’s squad and, frankly, we’re not alone in this mindset.

In a post published by Bleacher Report, writer Dan Favale believes that the veteran center would be a helpful acquisition for the Mavericks, and a trio of Luka Doncic, Kristaps Porzingis, and Horford could be a nice foundation moving towards the postseason:

"His tough go in Philadelphia last season had more to do with fit than anything. He’s currently averaging 14.2 points and 3.6 assists while finding nylon on 36.4 percent of his threes. His defensive mobility isn’t what it was two years ago, but he can still cover real ground. Opponents are reaching the rim significantly less often when he’s on the floor."

"Running out two bigs in the frontcourt is seldom workable. Horford knows this all too well after last season in Philly. But Porzingis isn’t Joel Embiid. He is almost exclusively a pick-and-pop option. Dallas doesn’t need to worry about them occupying the same space as often and can still play five-out when they’re both in the game. Staggering them guarantees Dallas will never have a below-average 5 on the court."

As we’ve seen in the past, Cuban is not afraid to shell out money in an effort to contend and, in turn, keep his stars satisfied.

Though his contract is worth a pretty penny, perhaps the presence of Horford, coupled with his skill set, is one proper move this championship-hopeful Mavericks team can make.