Honestly this is super obvious. You dont trade the potential number 1 pick in the draft for a half season rental. That would be absurd. Is anyone even suggesting that other then maybe ATL and HOU fans?
While that assertion is true in regards to Horford, it isn't applicable to Love, who is under contract through 2020.
I would probably not give up the BKN 16 pick for Horford -- even if his agent confirm in back-door channels that he will sign with the Celtics -- because officially he would be a rental and I doubt any _other_ team would give up such a price for him. In other words, while (with a commitment to resign) he's probably
worth that pick, that would seem like a big overpay based on the market.
In Love's case, I would definitely trade it. You would be giving up what is most likely a 4, 5 or 6 pick for a player who MIGHT someday maybe if you are lucky turn out to be an all-star player for Kevin Love, in his age 27-31 seasons. That's a no-brainer.
All that said, I'd prefer the 'trade for Horford but retain the BKN16 pick' scenario slightly over acquiring Love mainly because (a) I really like Horford's game and think he'd be a great fit PLUS (b) we'd still have that pick.
In other words, I value:
Love > BKN 16 ... but ..
Horford + BKN 16 > Love
But my preference there is only slightly. If Danny decided to pull the trigger and give that pick up for Love, I'd be all-in.
And we can't control whether either Horford OR Love is actually moved in trade or what price the other teams will value them at.
I am not going to hold my breath, expecting either deal to go through.