Could the Charlotte Hornets unload cap space for DeMar DeRozan?

With the offseason beginning in two months, what will the Charlotte Hornets do? Will Charlotte make a trade for a veteran?

Over the past few seasons, the Charlotte Hornets have been a team that has struggled with cap space. With the inability to sign good players, the team has had to hold on to a few less desired contracts.

Heading into the 2020 offseason, the Hornets will have about $30 million in cap space. For Hornets fans, this will be the most money the team has seen lately.

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Even though the Hornets are gaining some cap space, Bleacher Report did an article that proposed trades for each lottery team. The media outlet came across an interesting trade that would have the team take on another big contract.

For the Hornets’ trade scenario, the team would send Nicolas Batum and a 2020 1st round pick to the San Antonio Spurs. In exchange, the team would only receive the veteran, DeMar DeRozan.

Hornets fans will remember DeRozan, as he was with the Toronto Raptors for nine seasons. The veteran is currently coming off of his second season with the Spurs. His former team won the 2019 NBA Championship after trading him for Kawhi Leonard.

In 67 games this season, DeRozan has averaged 22.1 points, 5.6 assists, and 5.5 rebounds per game. Looking back at last season, DeRozan actually improved his scoring and shot 53% from the floor.

As the veteran continues to age, one thing that many fans will not find attractive is his contract. If DeRozan accepts his player-option, he will make $27 million next season. DeRozan is set to become an unrestricted free agent following next season.

Since DeRozan is a clear upgrade over Batum, it would be interesting to see if Charlotte would consider a deal like this. The Hornets are a young rebuilding team, so giving away a 1st round pick may be tough.

The Charlotte Hornets will have the opportunity to explore possible trades over the next two months. Free Agency and the NBA Draft is set to occur in mid-October, so teams may be researching now.