OKC Thunder: 2 surprise Al Horford trade destinations

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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OKC Thunder
OKC Thunder Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

OKC Thunder trade partner No. 1) Dallas Mavericks

After the second-straight year of having Luka Doncic go absolutely bananas in the postseason, yet not seeing any action past the first round, the Dallas Mavericks may be forced to make some changes this offseason and, realistically, could use for some veteran leadership within their rotation.

Add in the fact that they may be looking for a taker for their “supposed to be” star big man, Kristaps Porzingis, and you’ve got the foundation for a realistic trade scenario already in the works.

Just recently, we discussed the idea of the OKC Thunder jumping into the mix to try and acquire the estranged youngster, and, from this side of the equation, such a move makes quite a bit of sense, as KP is still only 25-years-old, is a former All-Star, and will likely have a relatively low asking price attached to him.

That said, this proposed swap of bigs could actually make a great deal of sense for the Mavericks as well for, not only would it bring on a 14-year veteran with five All-Star appearances attached to his name, but they would also be receiving a floor-spacing talent who can play either the four or five and who has 12 years of playoff experience that includes eight deep runs.

Couple this with the fact that they may even be able to get a pick out of it, and trading Horford to Dallas could actually prove to be mutually beneficial for both parties involved.