Toronto Raptors Receive: C Al Horford

Oklahoma City Thunder Receive: C Aron Baynes, G/F Rodney Hood

If Kyle Lowry leaves the Toronto Raptors in NBA free agency, they will be left with a major hole in their backcourt to fill, but they would still have some key talents in Fred VanVleet, Pascal Siakam and OG Anunoby on their roster. 

Without Lowry, the Raptors will definitely be taking a step back, but they would still have a chance to possibly build a new and improved team, especially since they would free up virtually $30M in cap space without Lowry. 

READ MORE: NBA Trade Rumors: 3 teams who could pursue Thunder big man Al Horford in the offseason

If they do elect to re-sign Khem Birch, they would have Birch and Boucher as their two centers, but adding Al Horford could definitely peak the Raptors’ interest should Birch either sign elsewhere in NBA free agency or if the Raptors think Horford is a better overall fit. 

In 28 games with the Thunder this season, Al Horford was actually really solid for them, averaging 14.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, 3.4 assists and shooting 45% from the floor, 36.8% from three-point range. 

He is not the double-double threat he once was with the Atlanta Hawks earlier in his career, but Al Horford proved this season that he is still capable of playing 20+ minutes per game and being a key contributor on the offensive-end of the court. 

Aron Baynes does not prove to be as valuable of an asset to Toronto as they originally hoped and while they traded for Rodney Hood at the trade deadline, he too does not possess much immediate value to this organization. As a result, both players being moved would not come as a significant loss to the Raptors. 

Now, let’s dive into this trade from each team’s perspective and truly see if this trade makes sense for both the Toronto Raptors and the Oklahoma City Thunder.