Charlotte Hornets Rumors: Called Lakers about center Montrezl Harrell
As the NBA’s trade deadline continues to get closer, rumors about the Charlotte Hornets’ interest in centers continue to increase. Even with LaMelo Ball possibly out for the rest of the season, the Hornets are still looking to make a deal to address their need inside the paint in hopes of making the playoffs.
On Monday, Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report reported that multiple teams were interested in Los Angeles Lakers’ center Montrez Harrell. The Lakers have made it know that they are willing to entertain trade proposals.
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The Hornets are familiar with Harrell, they tried to sign him in free agency. However, he decided to take less money and join the Lakers to pursue a championship.
Harrell is coming off the best season of his career, where he averaged 18.6 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His performance last year with the Los Angeles Clippers earned him the Sixth Man of the Year Award.
Harrell provides more depth for the Hornets and could likely start, but it’s unclear what the Lakers want for him. Because of his skillset, the Hornets may have to give up some young talent.
The Hornets would be getting Harrell on a manageable contract, he signed a two-year $18.9 million deal with the Lakers this offseason.
Harrell is not the only center the Hornets are interested in. The Hornets have also been linked to Richaun Holmes, Myles Turner, and Nikola Vucevic.
The center position needs to be addressed in the future, Cody Zeller and Bismack Biyombo are set to become unrested free agents at the end of this season.