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Could Gorgui Dieng be an option for the Charlotte Hornets?

By Shawn Simmons

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - JANUARY 01: Gorgui Dieng #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks over the court during the fourth quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 01, 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 - JANUARY 01: Gorgui Dieng #14 of the Memphis Grizzlies looks over the court during the fourth quarter of their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on January 01, 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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After the NBA trade deadline, the Charlotte Hornets are still in search of an upgrade at the center position.

On Friday, Hornets’ general manager Mitch Kupchak said the team will be active in the buyout market to sign an impact player but also cautioned that it could be a long shot that Charlotte comes to an agreement with a player.

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Several championship contenders and other teams in the playoff chase are expected to look at signing veteran players who are bought out of their contracts. The Hornets have been linked to center Andre Drummond. Drummond and the Cavaliers have reached an agreement on a buyout of his deal; he now has to wait 48 hours before signing with a new team.

Drummond will speak the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Hornets before signing with a new team. The Lakers are believed to be the frontrunners to land the services of Drummond.

If the Hornets are unable to lure Drummond to Charlotte, they could target Gorgui Dieng. On Friday, the Memphis Grizzlies waived Dieng. In the last year of his contract, Dieng is owed $16.6 million this season. No team is expected to pick up that salary and Dieng should clear waivers on Saturday at 5:00 PM ET.

The Grizzlies attempted to trade Dieng by the trade deadline but were unable to find any suitors. Several teams are expected to be interested in signing Dieng as a reserve big man for a playoff run.

Dieng spent the last two seasons in Memphis. In 22 games with one start this season, he averaged 7.9 points and 4.5 rebounds per game. Dieng’s per 36 minutes averages are 16.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 1.4 blocks.

Currently, the Hornets don’t have an open roster spot but Kupchak said that he was open to waiving a player to create one. The Hornets also have a little extra cap flexibility than thought. Charlotte has a $4.7 million room exception because they started the season under the salary cap.

Dieng doesn’t project to be a starter for the Hornets but he would be an upgrade over Bismack Biyombo as the reserve center.

Next. Charlotte Hornets NBA Draft Profile: Day’Ron Sharpe. dark

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