Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets Can Look at Sacramento for Trade and Free Agent Reinforcements

By Jerry Stephens

Jan 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) passes off down court chased by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. The Kings won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Darren Collison (7) passes off down court chased by Charlotte Hornets center Frank Kaminsky III (44) during the second half at the Spectrum Center. The Kings won 109-106. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the recent moves going on in Sacremento, the Charlotte Hornets could look towards the Kings for reinforcements prior to the trade deadline.

Even though the Charlotte Hornets missed out (not really because they reportedly didn’t try) on DeMarcus Cousins, they could still get some value from the remaining players on the Sacramento Kings. The team from out West is reportedly looking to clean house with their roster and Steve Clifford’s side needs reinforcements for the remainder of the season. General manager Rich Cho should look to steal one or a few pieces from the Kings before the trade deadline.

After trading Cousins to the New Orleans Pelicans for basically nothing, Sacramento’s brass has made it clear that they are giving up on the season and looking to tank. On the other hand, while not being mentioned in many trade rumors, Charlotte still needs to make moves to improve their roster for the second half of the season as they attempt to make a playoff push.

The Hornets probably already have some trade possibilities that they are targeting but with the recent developments in Sacramento, the Kings have some assets that could help Charlotte immediately. The great part about the Kings’ fire sale is that other teams (i.e. the Hornets) can reap all the rewards while not giving up too much.

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Tyreke Evans/ Langston Galloway:

Sacramento acquired Evans and Galloway from New Orleans in the trade for Cousins but according to Keith Evans, “SAC will buyout/waive Tyrke Evans, Langston Galloway or potentially both.” If Tyreke is waived or bought out, he would be free to sign with any team in the league other than the Pelicans. The former NBA Rookie of the Year only averaged 9.5 points per game, 3.5 assists per game and 3.3 rebounds per game in 26 outing for New Orleans this season.

While Charlotte might not have the biggest appeal to Evans who would probably be targeted by a number of teams, the Hornets would be an interesting landing spot. Galloway, on the other hand, won’t be as sought after and he could fill in the backup point guard role which is a position of need for Steve Clifford’s side. Langston is averaging 8.6 PPG as a backup this season.

Neither would move the needle all that much but they could be under the radar targets who, at the very least, could help the team a little and improve their roster.

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Matt Barnes:

Barnes has been a member of the Kings for the entire 2016-17 season but with the recent deal, Sacramento is expected to waive Matt. (ESPN/ Marc Stein) The 36-year old is only averaging 7.6 PPG and 5.5 RPG this season but he still has some value as a defender. The wing spot isn’t the biggest position of need for the Hornets and also considering that Charlotte traded him just two years ago, it is unlikely they go after Barnes but his release is notable.

Ben McLemore/ Darren Collison/ Aaron Afflalo:

According to multiple reports and originally from Chris Mannix of Yahoo Sports, “Sacramento is determined to restock the franchise with assets, and will be targeting rookie-deal players and draft picks in the coming days, sources told The Vertical. Free agents-to-be Ben McLemore and Darren Collison are available, sources said, as is Arron Afflalo, a solid bench scorer with a manageable contract.”

This is probably the best and most realistic move for the Hornets. Each of these players could offer something positive to Charlotte. Plus, the team does have picks and assets (rookie contracts and expiring deals) to send to Sacramento to complete these potential trades. McLemore is still only 24-years old and is averaging 6.6 PPG this season. His numbers aren’t great but there will be a few teams willing to take a chance on him. Although, Charlotte should not because they already have a player like Ben in Jeremy Lamb who is actually a better version.

As for Collison, the Hornets do need a backup point guard and he is excelling as the starter for Sacramento this season. The 29-year old is averaging 13.7 PPG and 4.2 APG so far this year. He could be a good option to backup Kemba Walker. For most of his career, Darren has been a backup so it wouldn’t be a big change to him. Ramon Sessions for Collison straight up works contract wise. Couple that with maybe two future second round picks and Charlotte could be in business.

A few years ago, Afflalo might have been a good option for the Hornets but now at 31-years old, there isn’t really a spot for him on their current roster. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist wouldn’t lose his spot to Aaron and Lamb/ Marco Belinelli are both better options off the bench.

Next: Hornets Perfect Acquisition

Whatever the case may be for the Charlotte Hornets in terms of buying or selling before the February 23rd trade deadline, the Kings have a lot of pieces that could be of value to them. If Rich Cho doesn’t make a move for one of these players, a number of other GM’s and teams probably will. In reality, only Evans, Galloway and Collison have any real value to the Hornets’ current roster.

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