With Kyrie on his way to the Nets and TR apparently going to the Knicks, hasn’t that ship sailed?
Also, while I loved playoff Al last year, he seems to be set on getting four years at $100m or even significantly more. Rumors of $112. That starts getting me queasy. If we’re willing to think far outside the box creating trade exceptions maybe there is a better outcome - or maybe we will see a chance at the deadline.
Maybe Horford is having second thoughts after the Kemba Walker news. Until the news broke, it looked like Horford could get paid AND have a better chance to contend elsewhere. However, maybe Al values contending in Boston above all else.
As others have mentioned, an Irving S&T would be the easiest path towards making this work. If I'm the Nets, I wouldn't facilitate a sign and trade unless I get the Memphis pick in return.
The only other thing I can think of is a an agreement between Ainge and Horford on a 1+1. Al takes a massive pay cut with a promise from Ainge for a new deal at the end of next season. Ainge would essentially need to give his word that Al will get a big contract regardless of injury. It's probably a pipe dream but I can't come up with anything else.