Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets’ realistic trade idea, Briante Weber’s fit

Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots for a basket past Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 29, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Charlotte Hornets guard Kemba Walker (15) shoots for a basket past Toronto Raptors forward P.J. Tucker (2) in the first half at Air Canada Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Buzz City Beat is Swarm and Sting’s one stop for the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

The Boston Celtics host the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight. In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at a realistic draft day trade for the Charlotte Hornets, Perry Ellis signing with an Australian team and Briante Weber‘s fit.

Realistic Draft Day Trade for the Hornets (BleacherReport.com)

"Charlotte Hornets Receive: No. 15 pick, No. 22 pickPortland Trail Blazers Receive: No 11 pick.Free agency isn’t a realistic avenue of improvement for the Charlotte Hornets. Failing a series of salary dumps, their best asset will be the non-taxpayer’s mid-level exception, which is projected to come in at $8.4 million."

Considering that this is a loaded draft class, I would take this trade if I were the Hornets. They would get two top-22 first round picks and while neither would be in the lottery, they could still be able to grab two quality rookies that could help now and in the future. Although, they might miss out on a potential star in Zach Collins or whoever else falls outside of the top-10.

With limited cap space, this would be a great way for the team to create two new additions rather than one through the draft. Depending on who lands where, Charlotte could get a steal with Portland’s picks. It would be pretty risky to move out of the lottery but it might be in their best interest.

Weber’s Defense-First Mentality Fits Perfectly With Charlotte (NBA.com)

"“[Charlotte’s] been talking defense the whole time and that’s one of the biggest keys. That’s pretty much my strong suit,” he said. “I [haven’t made] it. [My deal’s] non-guaranteed. At the end of the day, I’m still working to make sure my stuff is guaranteed."

With the emphasis that Steve Clifford puts on the defensive end of the floor, Briante is the perfect candidate to make the Hornets’ roster next season as the third-string point guard. Weber’s aggressive play makes him a menace on defense and has the skill set to match his toughness. His work ethic is second to none and that goes a long way in Coach Clifford’s book.

His work ethic is second to none and that goes a long way in Coach Clifford’s book. Going forward, Weber is a shoe-in to be on the team’s roster next season. He’s on a team-friendly deal that will help the Hornets save some money but more importantly, his style of play makes him the perfect emergency point guard.

Perry Ellis Signs With Australian Team (Kansas.com)

"Former Kansas Jayhawk basketball star Perry Ellis signed with the Sydney Kings of Australia’s National Basketball League, according to ESPN."

Next: Hornets should consider drafting L.J. Peak

With the D-League season over, Ellis is looking to continue playing competitively this summer by joining the Sydney Kings. Maybe Perry can help turn things around because they are tied with the second-worst record in the Australian League this season. It is unclear what his plan is but Ellis will probably return stateside once summer league and/or training camps begin.