National Basketball Association

Three Big Names that the Charlotte Hornets Could Trade For This Season

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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While the Charlotte Hornets are one of the most competitive teams in the Eastern Conference, trading for one of these big names could make them title contenders.

Mar 25, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) attempts a shot against Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) in the third quarter of their game at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 101-90. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

The Charlotte Hornets may be one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference but they are still missing a big name player on their roster. There is no question that they will compete for a playoff spot this season but if they want to become title contenders, they will need to grab a star player. There are a few big name players from around the league that could be on the trading block this year.

Steve Kyler’s recent article on BasketballInsiders.com named a number of potential free agents to watch this season. With these big name players set to hit the open market next summer, a few of them could be on the trade block this year. The Charlotte Hornets have plenty of draft picks to make a trade happen. They also have players that they may be looking to move.

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With the team holding all of their first round picks for the foreseeable future, they could move some of those to acquire a big name player. Reports earlier in the offseason made it clear that the Hornets were looking to move Spencer Hawes’ contract but it never came to fruition. There were also reports that Charlotte wanted to move Jeremy Lamb. Both of these players could still be traded as neither of their futures in Charlotte are secure.

Hornets’ general manager, Rich Cho, has come through in previous seasons with some huge trades that help improve the team. He may still have a move up his sleeve this season. The team won’t need many of their first round picks going forward as they will be in the high 20’s if the Hornets continue to make the playoffs.

Although Charlotte are already a successful team and they may not actively be searching for a deal, they are always in trade talks. It is unclear what their plans are but here are three potential big names that they could potentially trade for during the 2016-17 season.

Feb 28, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) is defended by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) in the fourth quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks defeated the Hornets 87-76. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

3. Paul Millsap

Hornets get PF, Paul Millsap
SG, Tim Hardaway Jr.

This may be a lot to give up but keep in mind that the salaries must match up. This is one of the only ways that Charlotte could make this move happen.

This may be the most unlikely of all these trade scenarios as Millsap is a centerpiece for the Hawks. He is currently one of their best players but after the offseason, he may have doubts about staying to Atlanta. There were reports that the team might move him in favor of keeping Al Horford, who eventually signed with the Boston Celtics.

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With a $21.4 million player option for next season, Paul may be looking to play elsewhere in 2017. If the Hawks don’t start the season off on the right foot, they may be searching for a trade partner for Millsap. If Atlanta do decide to trade him, they could get a large return.

If the Hornets acquire Millsap, who typically plays power forward, they could play him at center alongside Marvin Williams. Paul played 170 .4 minutes at center for the Hawks last year. In the small sample size, he averaged 18.2 points per 36 minutes and 10.1 rebounds per 36 minutes.

He may not have a lot of experience at the center position but he’ll excel under Steve Clifford. His versatile play style fits perfectly with the team and next to Marvin Williams. Steve Kyler said that “Millsap is absolutely a name to watch as the trade deadline gets closer.” (BasketballInsiders.com)

Nov 23, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay (8) talks with an official during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Time Warner Cable Arena. The Hornets defeated the Kings 127-122 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

2. Rudy Gay

Hornets get SF, Rudy Gay

It is clear that Rudy Gay will not be on the Sacramento Kings’ roster by the end of the 2016 season. Both sides are not happy and it is “only a matter of time” before he is moved. RealGm.com reported that they are still interested in moving Gay.

Rudy may be past his prime at only 30-years old but he could still be a solid contributor for a contending team. Adding him to the Hornets’ roster could allow him to be a scoring specialist off of the bench. Gay could be the sixth man that they are searching for.

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The Kings would be ecstatic to get a first round pick in return for Gay and Charlotte would offload Hawes’ contract while also getting an upgrade for Jeremy Lamb. With a $14.2 million player option for next season, Rudy will probably leave, so Sacramento would want to get something in return for him before that happens.

Even if Gay accepts his player option with Charlotte, $14.2 million wouldn’t be a huge hit, especially with the raise in salary cap numbers. He is not the best player on this list but Rudy is the most realistic move for the Hornets.

Mar 26, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) during the game against the Charlotte Hornets at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Charlotte won 115-91. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

1. Greg Monroe

Hornets get C, Greg Monroe

Although Monroe was a power forward early in his career, he has spent most of his time at center with the Bucks. He played 99.9% of his minutes at the five spot last season in Milwaukee. Greg also has a $17.8 million player option for next season and he may not be staying with his current team.

The Bucks have reportedly discussed moving Monroe this offseason but nothing came of it. With big men like John Henson, Thon Maker, Jabari Parker, and Mirza Teletovic on their roster, Milwaukee will surely part ways with Greg this season. The 6’11 big man can be the centerpiece that Charlotte needs to help them get over the hump in the East.

The Hornets’ first round pick would be the key for this trade to work. The team has not been great at drafting but they have been successful in trades. Charlotte may even need to throw in more to get it done. They would have to find a replacement for Lamb but that is a small price to pay for a big man with the skill level of Monroe.

Charlotte may need reassurance from Monroe that he will accept his player option or stay long-term for them to make the move.

It will be interesting to see if the Charlotte Hornets make any moves this season. Rich Cho and company may stand pat this year but they are always a team in trade discussions. All three of these players are big name options and they could help the team in a big way.

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