Swarm and Sting
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Should the Charlotte Hornets pursue LaMarcus Aldridge?

By Carlos Smith

Nov 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward center LaMarcus Aldridge (12) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 23, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; San Antonio Spurs forward center LaMarcus Aldridge (12) looks to pass the ball as he is defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) during the first half of the game at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NBA Draft, looming teams continue to scramble to improve their team. Even some of the big name veterans around the league could possibly be on the move including LaMarcus Aldridge.

The Charlotte Hornets created a little buzz when they made a move for Dwight Howard. On the defensive end, the Hornets should be an improved team assuming that Howard is healthy.

There is still room for improvement on offense which the Hornets should focus on now that they have a rim protector. Although he is another star who has taken a bit of a hit LaMarcus Aldridge could be what they need to improve.

According to NBA.com the San Antonio Spurs are shopping the big man for a top 10 pick in the draft. The Hornets had the 11th pick in the draft which could be close enough for the Spurs to make a jump. Charlotte and the rest of the top-10 teams passed on the move. The question now is do they have any assets the Spurs would want in return?

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Make a Deal

The Hornets don’t have as much cap space as other teams in the league but if they can find a may to move some contracts off their books the trade could be possible. The Hornets should try to build a deal around  Michael Kidd-Gilchrist and possibly a future (protected) draft pick. Although just MKG alone won’t be enough they will need to find more assets to make it happen.

This would give the Spurs another good defender on the perimeter but one who is offensively challenged. The Spurs are known for getting the best out of most players so adding MKG could be what he needs at this point in his career. This will also give the Hornets a veteran who can score and make life easier for Kemba Walker.

It could be many other trade scenarios but one the Hornets should at least entertain. While Aldridge could be helpful the Hornets should proceed with caution.

Red Flags

No doubt LaMarcus is one of the more skilled big men in the game today. Any player of his caliber who plays for a proven organization like the Spurs and wants out should raise some eyebrows. According to RealGM, Aldridge wants to move on from the Spurs. At times in big playoff games, he can also be disappointing. The flip side to that is having him in Charlotte could improve their chances to being post season relevant again.

Next: The Hornets can help Dwight's game and image

After the 2017-18 season, LaMarcus Aldridge can opt out and become a free agent once again. If he lands in Charlotte for a year and decides to leave this would clear cap space and give the Hornets a little room to maneuver next offseason. The way this offseason has gone so far anything is possible.

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