The 4-14 Charlotte Hornets have been "aggressive making trade calls" around the league, according to Grantland's Zach Lowe. Lowe, attributing his report to "sources around the league," writes that the Hornets are looking to make upgrades to the power forward and wing positions and are willing to discuss trades that involve anyone on the team except Al Jefferson and Kemba Walker. Yes, even new free-agent signing Lance Stephenson.
Hornets reportedly considering trades to shake things up
A 4-14 start to the season has Charlotte pursuing ways to right the ship, even at this early point in the season.
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"They are willing to talk turkey on basically anyone other than Kemba Walker and Al Jefferson," Lowe writes, adding that "few would be surprised" if the Hornets take and make calls on Stephenson before Dec. 15, the first day he can be traded.
Lowe later clarified that he doesn't expect the Hornets to discuss deals involving Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.
Why this makes sense
The Hornets have been awful this season. At 4-14, they might be the most disappointing team in the league. As detailed here, they’re no longer good on defense, are still bad on offense and have seen none of their offseason moves work, especially the Stephenson signing. Yet because the Hornets play in the East, they still have a shot at the playoffs. This was a team that came into the season with expectations, and that still has some talent on the roster. A trade for the right piece could be all the Hornets need to get back into the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Why this doesn’t make sense
Charlotte has the fourth worst offensive rating in the league, the sixth worse defensive rating in the league and the third worst net rating in the league. Their issues are not something one trade can fix.
Likelihood: (8/10)
Desperate teams do desperate things, and the Hornets are desperate. This was supposed to be a big season for them. Last year’s 43-win output and playoff birth coupled with the Stephenson signing created expectations, ones that Charlotte didn’t shy away from. Teams that go bust early rarely roll over without trying to make a move. Also, Michael Jordan is still in charge, which means rationality could easily go out the window.
★★★
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