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OKC Thunder: 2 surprise Al Horford trade destinations

By Mark Nilon

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Al Horford #42 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 08: Al Horford #42 of the Oklahoma City Thunder passes the ball in the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on February 08, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Meg Oliphant/Getty Images) /
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The OKC Thunder come into the 2021 NBA Offseason with a prime opportunity to absolutely flourish.

Though perhaps this past campaign may not have been the most enjoyable to watch for some fans of the organization, what they managed to do is set themselves up for a brighter future in the long run.

With the fact that they finished off the year with the fourth-worst record in the league at 22-50, the Thunder now head into the offseason with the fourth-best odds of nabbing the No. 1 overall selection in the upcoming NBA Draft and hold a 52.5 percent chance of landing with the top-5.

Add on the fact that they’ll likely have the most spending power on the open market in comparison to all other teams in the association — could see upwards of $55 million in salary space — and you have the recipe for an absolutely triumphant summer.

Of course, perhaps the main objective for the OKC Thunder this offseason, aside from landing the best available player come draft night, is to find a new home for veteran big man, Al Horford.

Attained in last offseason’s deal that sent Danny Green to the Philadelphia 76ers, right from the get-go it was apparent that the past-prime center was not long for the Sooner State.

Though brought on for the sole purpose of nabbing a draft pick that was attached along with him, Horford managed to play rather well this past year.

In 28 games played with OKC, the 34-year-old posted per-game averages of 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 3.4 assists on 45 percent shooting from the floor and 37 percent shooting from deep.

With his production, the veteran wound up upping his trade value significantly and, now, due to a mutual decision between both parties, Oklahoma City’s front office will look to find a trade partner to acquire him that would be better suited for his specific skill set and attributes.

While we’ve already discussed a few destinations he could go to on a few occasions in the past, today we present to you 2 more, less obvious landing spots for the seasoned big:

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