1. Another Horford Deal For Paul

76ers Receive: Chris Paul

Thunder Receive: Al Horford, Josh Richardson, Mike Scott, Zhaire Smith; Future Draft Pick(s)

There’s no getting around it. If Oklahoma City indeed makes Paul available, they are going to have to take on a contract they probably would rather not. But in this deal, they’d also get Scott’s expiring contract and a nearly 27-year old Richardson with two years left on his deal. Smith is just a young player, with an optimistic hint of potential, to add in. A future first-round pick is a natural part of any deal for Paul, but may be the 76ers would add a second to get the Thunder to take on Horford’s contract.

Notes: I tried to get a little nuts and put Ben Simmons into a Paul deal. But the money just won’t work. Trying to plug a third team in quite frankly was difficult, with or without including Simmons being dealt, which only further points to the challenge of moving Paul’s contract. He’s due to make $41.4 million next year, with a $44.2 million player option for 2021-22. But if the 76ers want Paul, they can match money. Parting with picks, or younger players like Smith and/or Thybulle, would be the cost of doing that business.