Charlotte Hornets Should Trade for Lou Williams at the Deadline

The Charlotte Hornets are in need of some reinforcements and making a deal for Lou Williams at the trade deadline would be an ideal move.

If the Charlotte Hornets want to turn their season around and make some noise in the playoffs, it’s clear that they need to make some move to improve their squad before the February 23rd trade deadline. Lacking a consistent scoring point/combo guard off the bench this year, making a deal for Lou Williams of the Los Angeles Lakers. Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype reported that “a general manager confirmed that the Lakers have, in fact, shopped Williams and seem likely to move him prior to the deadline.”

The Hornets have been missing a playmaking scorer off of the bench since Jeremy Lin left this past summer. Ramon Sessions hasn’t filled that role and Marco Belinelli/Jeremy Lamb aren’t consistent enough or have the playmaking ability to create for others that the team needs. Williams could slide into that role and instantly have a positive impact and give Charlotte the spark they’ve been looking for.

Lou will likely be one of the more sought after names at the trade deadline this season. Even though he isn’t a big name, the 6’1 combo guard is having the best season of his career and there are a lot of contenders that need what he brings to the table. It wouldn’t be surprising to see a number of teams including the Cleveland Cavaliers among others in the mix for Williams.

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Charlotte isn’t as an attractive destination as the Cavs are but Rich Cho and the team’s front office can still facilitate a deal with the assets that the Hornets possess. They have enough young players and future draft picks to make almost any trade scenario work. A straight up trade between players could be a possibility as the Lakers are looking to get younger so they may sell relatively cheap.

But they are also selling high because of Lou’s career year so it may take a pick to complete the move. If that’s the case, the Hornets have all of their first round picks and also own all but their 2017 and 2018 second round selections. With their poor draft history, it may be in the team’s best interest to bring in an experienced veteran that they know will contribute immediately, much like they did by trading their 2016 first round pick for Marco Belinelli, instead of taking a risk in the draft.

The 30-year old is averaging 18.5 points per game, 3.2 assists per game and 2.3 rebounds per game this season while shooting 44.2% from the field and 38.1% from three. Williams has appeared in 57 games this season for LA but has only made one start. The former Sixth Man of the Year award winner is a specialist at coming off the bench and providing a scoring punch.

On a recent podcast, Chase Thomas and Scott Rafferty discussed Lou being on the move and Charlotte being a possible destination with Jeremy Lamb going to Los Angeles. (Twitter/ Chase Thomas) While that is one possible deal that could work for both sides, there are many others that could be in play as well. Marco Belinelli for Williams, Ramon Sessions (even though he’s injured) and a first or even a multiple player trade involving Nick Young, who they are also looking to trade, could be a possibility as well.

Lamb for Williams seems to be the most logical and simplest direction to go:

While this deal would make the Hornets older by giving up on a 24-year old Jeremy Lamb, it would make them a much better team. Like I said before, Charlotte has been missing a scoring playmaker off the bench this season. Jeremy Lin fit that role perfectly last year and Lou could do the same with better scoring but a little less playmaking.

Williams is also a cheap option for the team. He is only making $7M this season and next year. That gives the team a year and a half with him before his contract expires at a relatively cheap price in today’s NBA. Ideally, the Hornets would move Ramon but it will likely take Lamb to get the deal done. While Jeremy has played well and is still young, this move gets the team better immediately and gives them a win now mentality.

Next: Trade Deadline Will Define Charlotte's Season

This team has the framework to still have a successful season and one or two moves at the trade deadline could give them the second half push they need to make the postseason. Not only that but by acquiring Williams, he could help the Charlotte Hornets reach their goal of making it to the second round of the playoffs. Regardless, he is a perfect fit for what they have been missing this season.

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