Philadelphia 76ers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey stated he has no regrets regarding the 2020 trade involving Al Horford. Morey sent Al Horford, a future first-round draft pick, and the 34th pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder on November 18, 2020.
The Sixers received Danny Green as part of the package in that deal. The trade allowed the team to move Horford's contract, which was in its second year. Horford had signed a four-year, $97 million deal with Philadelphia in July 2019 but proved to be an awkward fit alongside Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons and became an expensive backup center.
The future first-round pick sent to Oklahoma City is top-six protected in the upcoming May 12 NBA draft lottery. The Sixers finished the season with a 24-58 record, ranking fifth-worst in the league.
The team needs the pick to land within the top six to retain it. This would provide an opportunity to add young talent to complement players like Tyrese Maxey and alleviate pressure on Joel Embiid and Paul George, both of whom had injury-affected seasons.
Without keeping the pick, the Sixers face limited options to improve the roster. The contracts held by Embiid and George are viewed as difficult to move.
Speaking about the trade, Morey commented, "First off, I feel very good about that trade because it put us in a great spot. It was before coach Nick Nurse was here, but we were the one-seed going into the playoffs. Usually, that gives you a 40-50% chance to make the finals. So I feel good that we got good value out of that trade. Danny Green was great for us. Seth Curry was acquired in a different trade. But anyway, I feel good about that." Read more about Morey's comments here.
The Sixers hold a 63.9% chance of keeping their pick and a 10.5% chance of winning the lottery. If the pick conveys to Oklahoma City this year, the Sixers will owe their 2026 first-rounder, protected top-four. If it still does not convey, it will be top-four protected in 2027, after which it converts to a 2027 second-rounder.
Daryl Morey noted that trades involving future first-round picks are less common now. He referenced recent deals the Sixers made, including acquiring Jared Butler and four second-round picks from the Washington Wizards for Reggie Jackson and a 2026 first-round pick.
He also mentioned reacquiring the No. 35 pick in this year's draft along with Quentin Grimes from the Dallas Mavericks for Caleb Martin and a 2030 second-round pick. These moves, he stated, provide the team with assets and maneuverability.
Morey concluded, "We feel like we have a lot of maneuverability with our assets going forward and the young players Coach developed."
