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NBA Trade Rumors: Stars Available for the Knicks to Acquire

By Maxwell Ogden

Nov 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0, center) greets guard Thabo Sefolosha (25) and center Al Horford (15) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 121-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0, center) greets guard Thabo Sefolosha (25) and center Al Horford (15) during a timeout in the fourth quarter of their game against the Boston Celtics at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 121-97. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shoots as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during the first quarter during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) shoots as Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) looks on during the first quarter during the first quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

Position: Center

Age: 29

Remaining Salary: $12,000,000

Contract Expires: 2016

Slash Line: .507/.340/.778

Season Averages: 31.6 MPG, 15.3 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 2.0 ORPG, 3.1 APG, 1.5 BPG, 0.8 SPG, 1.0 3PM

According to Adrian Wojnarowski of The Vertical, the Atlanta Hawks are seriously considering blowing up the roster with two significant trades. The first possibility is dealing Al Horford, who has been the face of the franchise since Atlanta traded Joe Johnson in 2012.

With a second report by Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports confirming the rumor, it’s time for New York to take a swing at the type of player who could forever alter the trajectory of the organization.

"The Hawks can put together a strong offer from a financial and familiarity standpoint, but are expected to listen to teams that inquire about Horford because they don’t want to risk losing him for nothing, league sources said. The NBA trade deadline is Feb. 18."

Horford would flourish in New York, which means it’d be criminal for Phil Jackson not to do his due diligence.

Horford is essentially a star-caliber version of Robin Lopez. He’s a selfless leader who boxes out to provide rebounding opportunities for his teammates, passes out of the pinch post, scores from the low block, and spaces the floor with a gorgeous jump shot.

Coupled with Horford’s very solid defense, it stands to reason that the Knicks would become legitimate postseason threats by adding the four-time All-Star to the mix.

Horford and the Hawks have made the playoffs in every season since 2007-08. It’s no coincidence that Horford was drafted in 2007, immediately becoming a versatile double-double threat who progressively emerged as one of the best big men in the NBA.

New York may or may not be able to offer what Atlanta is looking for, but it’d behoove Jackson’s long-term vision for the Triangle Offense to at least inquire about the perfect big man for it.

Next: The Defensive Anchor

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