Charlotte Hornets: 2 offseason targets to pair with LaMelo Ball

Steven Adams would be a great pairing with LaMelo Ball and should be a trade target this offseason.

Steven Adams is by far one of the most underrated big men in the league and his effect on the court has not gone unnoticed by me. Adams is averaging a near double-double for Oklahoma City and can bring a lot of skill to the Charlotte Hornets.

Adams is an efficient scorer within the post as a seven-year veteran. At his peak, Adams has averaged nearly 14 points and averaged over a block per game last season.  Adam’s even put himself within the top-13 for rebounding across the entire league.

Adams at first glance may seem like a half-decent vet on the wrong end of a big contract, BUT I’m here to tell you that the Hornets should not be too concerned with those concerns. Adams can bring some dominance and savvy to the starting for the Hornets and sure for 25 million dollars, you’d expect him to be. But Adams’ contract only extends to the end of this upcoming season so the contract concern would only stretch to the end of the 2022 season.

This acquisition wouldn’t be detrimental to the salary cap but for one season and if he does surprisingly over-performs then the Hornet can extend another deal to him.

Adams would be a fun player to pair with Ball since he does so well with the pick-and-roll. Adams will give Ball a seasoned vet in the paint, and for 25 million for one season, I’d explore Adams’ effect on Ball’s development. Adams can be a great outlet for Ball’s playmaking time and time again this upcoming season.

Adams is currently on the trade block according to ClutchPoints and is a very attainable target for the Hornets. For a few second-round picks and a lesser young asset, the Hornet can definitely get Adams since the Thunder are in a ‘draft-pick acquisition’ mindset. Oklahoma City has a bundle of draft picks within the next five years.