The Elephant in the Room...

[celticsclay]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

Maybe all of it...

[tarheelsxxiii]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

If I'm working hard to warm up to our new cupcake, you should be supporting your new PG, bro.

[mqtcelticsfan]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

No, he was also traded because Kyrie is 3 years younger.

Name me the 26-year-old version of Al Horford that we can acquire and maybe we can have this discussion.

[Boris Badenov]

I think Al could play really well into his mid-30s as an earthbound, savvy playsetter who makes a team defense much better.

Think Kings-era Vlade, but without the chain-smoking and constant flopping.

[Moranis]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

If I'm working hard to warm up to our new cupcake, you should be supporting your new PG, bro.

what are you talking about?

[liam]

I think Al could play really well into his mid-30s as an earthbound, savvy playsetter who makes a team defense much better.

Think Kings-era Vlade, but without the chain-smoking and constant flopping.

Isn't  "Chain-Smoking and Constant Flopping" the name of Vlade's autobiography?

[Moranis]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

No, he was also traded because Kyrie is 3 years younger.

I think Danny would have traded Thomas for an older player that had a better contract and health situation as well.  Sure the fact that Irving was 3 years younger helped and it also allowed him to talk about the timeline, but if for example Wall or Paul was available with the same type contract that Irving had, I think he would have made that trade as well (maybe you get to keep the BKN pick in that scenario or Zizic or whatever).  At the end of the day, Ainge wasn't going to commit to Thomas long term and that is why he moved him.  I also think that is why he moved Bradley as opposed to Smart.  Ainge knew that likely only one would have been possible to keep (if any) and he had decided Smart was that guy, so he looked to move Bradley instead of Smart.

[Jon]

Yeah. I'm not too worried about it. He only has two years remaining after this coming year, so it's not like he will be here until he's in his late 30s or even really much of his mid 30s. Moreover, it's not like Horford is really beating many opponents with his speed and athleticism, so I don't see a reason why his game of hitting jumpers and making deft passes from the top of the key should really deteriorate much.

Worst case, he opens up some luxury tax/cap space when he expires to pay guys like Brown or Tatum. Best case, he's still productive in 3 years and he takes a team friendly extension to win titles in his mid-to-late 30s.

[Chris22]

Big men last longer.

[kozlodoev]

Thomas wasn't traded because he was too old, he was traded because he was an expiring contract demanding max money that wasn't worth a max contract and would be missing a portion (maybe significant portion) of the year due to injury.

If I'm working hard to warm up to our new cupcake, you should be supporting your new PG, bro.

what are you talking about?

Pastry, obviously.

[Csfan1984]

Darn.. some very good answers already.

  My view: Horford signing filled a need and made a statement but he isn't untouchable. He may play out his contract as the vet leader on the team or he may be flipped in an upgrade. 

[timpiker]

Horford is a perfect fit for this team and the age and timeline is just fine.  It's ok to have a vet mentor for the kids to look up to and follow

[droopdog7]

The difference is Al isn't expected to carry the team.  So can still be part of the nucleus.  Plus, our timeline is much much sooner than people think.  Maybe not this year, but I'd bet we'll be in the finals next year.  That's basically all we can ask for.

[RLewis35]

Horford's skill set is similar to the skilled euro big men who have tended to last longer.  I think horford is in for the long haul and when contract is up he hopefully continues to sign team friendly deals to stay like spurs players have done.

[chambers]

He's not a defensive liability. He's missed two seasons with pectoral injuries so his legs are 2 years fresher.

Completely different scenario.