Exploring realistic trade scenarios that could bring Al Horford to the Knicks before the deadline. Find out how New York can make it work.
If the New York Knicks decide to pursue Al Horford before the trade deadline, matching his salary will be the first step. The 18-year veteran is projected to earn around $9–10 million this season, which means New York would need to send out similar money in return.
Here are some realistic scenarios:
Depth-for-Veteran Swap
- Knicks receive: Al Horford
- Boston Celtics receives: Jericho Sims ($2.1M), Malachi Flynn ($2.2M), Rokas Jokubaitis rights + 2nd-round pick
This package gives the Knicks Horford’s leadership while his current team adds young assets and draft flexibility.
The “Salary-Matching Role Players” Deal
- Knicks receive: Al Horford
- Boston Celtics receives: Precious Achiuwa ($6.3M expiring), Shake Milton ($2.5M)
New York turns two short-term pieces into a veteran playoff-tested big, while the other team gets cap relief for next summer.
The Bigger Swing
- Knicks receive: Al Horford + 2nd-round pick
- Boston Celtics receives: Mitchell Robinson ($14.3M, expiring)
Robinson is a solid starting-caliber center on an expiring deal. This would be a bigger move that clears New York’s cap sheet for the future while adding Horford as a short-term playoff piece.
Why These Trades Make Sense
Horford wouldn’t be asked to carry a heavy workload in New York, but rather to stabilize the bench unit, protect the rim in limited minutes, and knock down key threes in the postseason. His locker-room presence could also be invaluable for a Knicks team under intense pressure to deliver in 2026.
