Swarm and Sting
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Three trades the Charlotte Hornets must make to turn their season around

By Giovanni Spillman

CHARLOTTE, NC - JULY 18: General manager Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets announce the signing of Lance Stephenson to the media at Time Warner Cable Arena on July 18, 2014 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - JULY 18: General manager Rich Cho of the Charlotte Hornets announce the signing of Lance Stephenson to the media at Time Warner Cable Arena on July 18, 2014 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 2014 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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While the season hasn’t gone as planned for the Charlotte Hornets, there is still time for the team to make changes and turn their year around.

The Charlotte Hornets have not had a great start to the season. It seems as if every night the team tries as much as they can to get a win, but they fall short of it every time. Most of this is because of the poor bench play of the Hornets; which most of their poor play comes from the defensive end of the court. The bench has, even more, pressure due to the injury of Cody Zeller.

Although, the bench cannot be the blame for all of the team’s recent troubles. The team has also been struggling from the three-point line. Most of the time the Hornets are shooting a good percentage from behind the arc, but the only problem is, is that the Hornets are not taking enough threes. The Hornets must become more aggressive from behind the arc just like they were in their previous two seasons. To fix this, here are three potential trades the Hornets can make:

1.  The Big One: Batum to Dallas, Carter-Willams to Los Angeles

Charlotte Receives: Lakers PG Jordan Clarkson, Dallas C Jeff Withey

Los Angeles Receives: Hornets PG Michael Carter-Williams, Hornets 2018 2nd Round Pick, Dallas SG Wesley Matthews, Dallas 2019 2nd Round Pick

Dallas Receives: Hornets SG Nicolas Batum, Lakers SF Corey Brewer, Lakers SG Josh Hart

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This trade seems like one of the more rare ones we see in the NBA. This first trade package contains a three-way deal among the Hornets, Mavericks, and Lakers. This trade would help us not only with our bench but also in the financial situation where we currently are.

The Hornets are currently in need of a backup point to run the offense when Kemba Walker is not on the court. This trade would also feature a big move by Dallas, which sends Matthews to the Lakers, to help the Hornets get Clarkson.

The Hornets would also receive Withey from Dallas, who has young talent at the five spot. Draft picks would also be moved in the traded.

2. The Backup Center Fill: O’Bryant and Stone to Sacremento

Charlotte Receives: C Willie Cauley-Stein

Sacramento Receives: PF Johnny O’Bryant,  PG Julyan Stone, Hornets 2018 2nd Round Pick, Hornets 2020 2nd Round Pick

This trade would require the Hornets to give up two players who do not get a lot of play time, and some future draft picks. Currently, Charlotte is missing someone to man the center position while Dwight Howard is on the bench. Cauley-Stein is a great pick-and-roll player, and he would fit great in the Hornets’ offensive scheme.

While the Hornets have been a force in the rebounding category this season, this player would help the bench when going up for boards. This is a trade that Hornes can possibly make with a rebuilding Sacramento Kings team.

3. The Ideal Bench Fills: O’Bryant, Stone, and Carter-Williams to Orlando 

Charlotte Receives: PG D.J. Augustin, C Khem Birch

Orlando Receives: PG Michael Carter-Williams, PF Johnny O’Bryant, PG Julyan Stone, Hornets 2020 2nd Round Pick

This final trade would consist of the Hornets trading two players who do not get a lot of mental, Carter-Williams, and a 2020 second round draft pick. This trade would bring back former Bobcats guard D.J. Augustin and depth at the center position.

This trade makes sense because the Magic have been struggling as of late, and the Hornets would be bringing in someone who knows their system. Currently, Augustin has been having an okay year, while also limiting the turnovers for the offense, and has been a consistent scorer for his current team.

Next: Re-drafting the 2014 NBA Draft

Final Thoughts

The Hornets are currently in a tough spot. They must make a trade, or continue to suffer from poor bench play. While Zeller will be out of action for 6-8 weeks, it is important to get a backup center, or a more consistent guard to run the point. While we may not see any of these trades happen right away, it is important to note that trade activity will start to pick up around the All-Star break. It is up to Hornets’ General Manager, Rich Cho to make some moves for the team.

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