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Charlotte Hornets: 3 trades that can land a Cavaliers center

By Shawn Simmons

MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 22: Andre Drummond #3 of the Cleveland Cavaliers looks on against the Miami Heat during second half at American Airlines Arena on February 22, 2020 in Miami, Florida. 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 Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Here is how the Charlotte Hornets can trade for one of the Cleveland Cavaliers’ centers.

In a lot of eyes, the sleeper winner in the four-team trade that sent guard James Harden to the Brooklyn Nets from the Houston Rockets is the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Cavaliers were able to acquire super-talented big man Jarrett Allen in the deal. Allen is a restricted free agent at the end of the 2020-2021 season, but if the Cavaliers are able to retain him, he’ll be a big building block for the team going forward.

The problem that presents itself with acquiring Allen, is that the Cavaliers have an abundance of players now at the power forward and center positions. In addition to Allen, the Cavaliers also acquired forward/center Taurean Prince from the Nets. Allen and Price now join Andre Drummond, JaVale McGee, Larry Nance Jr., and Kevin Love in the frontcourt. Isaac Okoro and Cedi Osman can also play at the power forward position.

This logjam in the Cavaliers’ frontcourt could benefit the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets have not solved that rebounding problems in the frontcourt positions, and their rim protection defense remains abysmal. The Hornets have the young talent, expiring contracts and draft assets that a team like the Cavaliers would like for in exchange for one of their big men. The Hornets also have a little salary cap room to assist in facilitating a deal.

If he hasn’t already, Mitch Kupchak, Hornets president of basketball operations and general manager, should be on the phone now with Cavaliers’ management to make a deal to acquire one of their centers.

Here is a look at three trades that could land either JaVale McGee, Andre Drummond or Jarrett Allen for the Hornets.

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