Charlotte Hornets: Is Myles Turner a realistic trade target?

With 14 games out of the way, the Charlotte Hornets could look at potential trade targets.

The Charlotte Hornets are currently sitting with a record of 6-8. They’ve lost their last three games, and it might be time for them to look at upgrading their roster. Some media outlets have even started bringing up crazy trade scenarios.

One major outlet has the Hornets targeting a major defensive anchor. On Friday, Bleacher Report wrote about every team’s 2021 trade deadline target list. This article suggested that the Hornets target Myles Turner, Andre Drummond, and Jonas Valanciunas.

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Valanciunas is an interesting trade prospect, but Turner adds a little extra to the table. Turner is playing on a playoff team, and he was the NBA’s leader in blocks last year. He has continued to lead the league in blocks this season as well.

This season, Turner is averaging 12.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 4.2 blocks per game. He may not be averaging monster rebound numbers, but fans have to remember that he’s sharing the Pacers’ frontcourt with an All-Star.

Turner is a reliable scorer in the paint while also stroking it from deep at times. Even with his offensive game being good, the Hornets could be more interested in his ability to defend the paint.

With their 45.6 points averaged in the paint per game, the Hornets are currently the 14th worst paint-defending team in the league. An acquisition of Turner could potentially solve many defensive issues.

Targeting Turner would be an interesting move for Charlotte. However, the Hornets will need to find a way to match his huge contract. Turner signed a 4-year $80 million dollar contract last season.

The Hornets will have to make some hard decisions if they wish to get Turner. One option would be to trade Cody Zeller since he’s on an expiring contract, but the Hornets could look at having to give up picks too.

Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are set to become free agents in the offseason. It could be strategic for the Hornets to trade for Turner if they wish to go into this year’s offseason with at least one center.

The Charlotte Hornets are barely hanging on to playoff positioning. Fans should expect general manager Mitch Kupchak to put the team in the right position so they can compete.