Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Kicking off the Charlotte Hornets’ tank with five potential trade ideas

By Noah Elmore

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 8: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 8, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 8: Nicolas Batum #5 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Chicago Bulls on December 8, 2017 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Brock Williams-Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 06: Al Jefferson #7 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass around Johnny O’Bryant III #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC – MARCH 06: Al Jefferson #7 of the Indiana Pacers looks to pass around Johnny O’Bryant III #8 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on March 6, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

3. Big Al back to Charlotte?

Charlotte’s 2012 draft selection Michael Kidd-Gilchrist has always been a confusing player for the fan base. On one hand, his frenetic and energetic defense is the lifeblood of the team on that end of the court. On the other though, his lack of a three-point shot has made him a limited player offensively. Through 19 games this season, Kidd-Gilchrist has averaged nine points and 4.5 assists per game. It may be time to consider biting the bullet on KG and getting what’s possible for him.

Calling the Indiana Pacers. As a bit of a surprise this season, Indiana has posted a 15-11 record so far, good for 5th in the Eastern Conference. The Pacers have been carried by Victor Oladipo and company, but they lack depth at the small forward position.

If they want to push deep into the playoffs this year, they’ll need both depth and a defensive stopper on the wing.

The trade? MKG for Al Jefferson & a protected first.

Big Al had his most prolific season in Charlotte, making All-NBA third team in 2013-2014. He’s a far cry from his former self though, as he’s only averaging 7.2 points and 4.7 rebounds per game this year. For Charlotte, this makes sense though. Quit kicking the tires on a prospect who doesn’t seem to be improving, and grab a first-round pick in the process.

For Indiana, they grab their lockdown defensive wing for the playoffs. They’ll likely face some of Giannis Antetokounmpo, LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, or Ben Simmons in this year’s playoffs. While none of those players can ever truly be stopped, Kidd-Gilchrist can do a solid job of limiting them without having to use too much help. Finally, at only 24, he’ll grow with their young core, setting up for success now and in the future.

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