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Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Devonte’ Graham available for trade

By Shawn Simmons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts following a play during the second quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - FEBRUARY 03: Devonte' Graham #4 of the Charlotte Hornets reacts following a play during the second quarter of their game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Spectrum Center on February 03, 2021 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. (Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images) /
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The trade speculation surrounding the Charlotte Hornets ahead of the March 25 trade deadline is mostly focused on the team upgrading their center position. There’s another subject that Hornets’ fans need to keep a watch on, the availability of Devonte’ Graham.

The Athletic’s Sam Amick is reporting that teams believe that Graham is available in trade talks.

Following the departure of Kemba Walker, Graham burst onto the scene last season, improving from his rookie campaign where he averaged 4.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists on 34.3% shooting from the field and 28.1% from three, upping those averages to 18.2 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 7.5 assists on 38.2% shooting from the field and 37.3% from three. Graham represented the Hornets in the three-point competition during the 2020 NBA All-Star Weekend.

Graham is scheduled to become a restricted free agent after this season. The Hornets seem hesitant to make a large financial commitment to retain his services. Graham really needed to come out of the corner swinging this season to prove to the Charlotte front office that he is worthy of a long-term financial investment. Unfortunately, so far, Graham has swung and missed.

Graham struggled early this season with his shot, the very thing that turned heads around the league last season. Towards the end of the first half of the season, Graham’s shot started to improve but injuries cost him 10 out of 12 of Hornets’ final games before the All-Star break.

In his absence, rookie sensation LaMelo Ball (15.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, 6.3 assists) has staked his claim to the Hornets’ starting point guard spot. Ball, along with Terry Rozier’s stellar play (20.4 points, 48.2% FG, 43% 3PT), has regulated Graham to a bench role.

With the financial commitment the Hornets have with Rozier next season and Ball, the crowned franchise cornerstone, Graham may be the odd man out as the Hornets look to move him prior to the trade deadline.

What the Hornets could get for Graham is the mystery. His struggles this season may have his value at its lowest.

Next. Who’s the Odd Man out in the Guard Rotation?. dark

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