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Charlotte Hornets: 5 ideas for a Terry Rozier trade

By James Bu

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Hornets defeated the Suns 124-121. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Phoenix Suns Arena on February 24, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Hornets defeated the Suns 124-121. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on February 10, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee.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 Justin Ford/Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – FEBRUARY 10: Terry Rozier #3 of the Charlotte Hornets goes to the basket against Dillon Brooks #24 of the Memphis Grizzlies during the second half at FedExForum on February 10, 2021 in Memphis, Tennessee.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 Justin Ford/Getty Images) /

The Hornets get a first round pick and a serviceable center from Memphis in exchange for Rozier.

The Memphis Grizzlies have a crammed big man rotation at the moment. Jonas Valanciunas has an argument for being the Grizzlies’ best player, anchoring their defense whilst being a trusty scorer next to Ja Morant in the pick-and-roll, as well as offering a low post presence (0.96 PPP on 4.1 post possessions a game, according to Synergy). They also have the impressive rookie Xavier Tillman, Brandon Clarke, who similarly burst onto the scene last season, as well as prize jewel Jaren Jackson Jr., who is slated to return from his meniscus injury in the coming weeks. This is all disregarding Gorgui Dieng, who was their backup center last season, Jontay Porter, and Killian Tillie, two injury-prone but immensely talented young bigs. The Grizzlies can afford to trade some of their big men. What they do lack is perimeter scoring, and shooting.

Desmond Bane and Grayson Allen have been important contributors this season because of their catch and shoot prowess despite deficiencies in other aspects of their games, but they aren’t playoff-team caliber ballhandlers at the moment. This is where Rozier’s diverse skillset sets him apart.

Rozier and the Grizzlies help cover for each others’ weaknesses; defensive studs like Melton, Winslow, Anderson, Brooks, and their bigs help cover for Rozier’s weaknesses on that end, whilst Rozier adds much needed offensive diversity.

Dieng adds rim protection and potentially some stretch-5 capabilities to the Hornets. If the Hornets are hell-bent on pushing for the playoffs even after trading Rozier and losing Ball to injury, replacing Bismack Biyombo will go a long way to achieving that goal.

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