Sixers Face Crucial NBA Draft Gamble After Horford Trade

PHILADELPHIA, Pa. — The Philadelphia 76ers may face a challenging decision in June’s NBA draft due to the implications of their prior trade involving Al Horford. After acquiring Horford in July 2019, the Sixers traded him along with a future first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder in a move designed to set the team up for championship success.

Horford, a five-time All-Star, signed a four-year, $97 million contract with the Sixers after opting out of his final year with the Boston Celtics. The team, hoping to build a championship contender, believed Horford’s presence alongside star center Joel Embiid would provide the necessary support to elevate their performance in the Eastern Conference.

General Manager Elton Brand expressed excitement at Horford’s signing, stating, “We’re excited to welcome one of the NBA’s best frontcourt players in Al Horford to Philadelphia.” However, the team’s ambition quickly turned sour as it became evident that Horford struggled to find his place in the lineup, particularly in the power forward position.

After a disappointing season, new President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey negotiated a deal that saw Horford moved to the Thunder in exchange for shooter Danny Green and the 34th pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, among other assets. This deal not only relieved the team of Horford’s substantial salary but also allowed them to draft promising guard Tyrese Maxey, who emerged as a key player for the franchise.

However, the future first-round pick in that trade carries significant conditions. It is top-six protected, meaning the Sixers will only retain the pick if it lands within the top six slots in the draft lottery. Should it not meet those conditions, the Sixers would owe the Thunder a future first-round pick in 2026, or a second-round pick if it falls within the top four in 2027.

As of now, the Sixers hold the league’s sixth-worst record at 20-36. To keep their pick this year, they must finish with one of the bottom six records, providing a 45.8% chance of retention. The odds improve with worse outcomes: 63.9% with a fifth-worst record, escalating to 100% with the worst record.

Retaining a first-round pick could be crucial for the Sixers. Adding a young talent alongside Maxey would ease some of the burden on Embiid and fellow star George Niang, both hindered by injuries this season. The potential absence of this pick creates a bleak outlook for the franchise’s immediate future, especially as both Embiid and Niang have contracts difficult to trade.

Meanwhile, Horford has found new life in his career after being traded back to the Celtics in June 2021, where he serves as a dependable center for the defending champions. He recently reflected positively on the transition, saying, “It’s fun… They care enough to boo. It’s good to be cared for.” Yet, those cheers have turned into boos at the Wells Fargo Center, a constant reminder of his tumultuous time in Philadelphia.

As the draft approaches, Sixers fans will be watching closely, knowing that losing both the chance for a high draft pick and a playoff spot could further compound the disappointment stemming from Horford’s acquisition.