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Charlotte Hornets: 3 Blockbuster trades to explore this offseason

By Evan Birchmore

Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – JANUARY 27: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 27, 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 27: Miles Bridges #0 of the Charlotte Hornets drives to the basket against Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers during the third quarter of their game at Spectrum Center on January 27, 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 Hornets switch up the pace, acquire Myles Turner from Indiana Pacers

https://tradenba.com/trades/_AMf7EZM9

It is no secret that the Charlotte Hornets need to upgrade the center position heading into next season. As well as the Hornets played at times this past season, stellar guard play oftentimes could not overcome subpar performances from the frontcourt. The Indiana Pacers, on the other hand, had a terrific frontcourt combination of Myles Turner and Domantas Sabonis that anchored their frontcourt but could have used a bit more playmaking from the perimeter. After a disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards in the NBA Play-In Tournament, the Pacers may be looking at reshuffling their roster this offseason.

In this deal, the Pacers receive the Indiana native Gordon Hayward, who famously led in-state Butler University to within inches of a national championship in 2010. Before an untimely injury prematurely ended his 2020-21 season, Hayward had appeared to finally regain some of the all-star form that he showed during his Utah Jazz days, averaging 19.6 points per game to go along with 5.9 rebounds and a player efficiency rating (PER) of 17.56, third-highest on the team.  However, heading into next season at age 32, Hayward is not exactly an ideal fit from a timeline perspective with the Hornets’ young players, and Charlotte may look to build around their younger talents long term.

In return, Charlotte receives Myles Turner, a young and improving center who lead the NBA in blocks per game for this season averaging over three per game. Turner has also shown some ability to stretch the floor and provide shooting, although his ideal fit would be to man the paint for the Hornets and to lock down on defense and protect the rim.

Charlotte would also receive T.J. Warren in the deal, who played his college basketball a few hours’ drive from Charlotte at North Carolina State. With Malik Monk and Devonte’ Graham entering restricted free agency this offseason, Charlotte could plug Warren into the rotation in the event of any departures.

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