Charlotte Hornets: 3 Blockbuster trades to explore this offseason

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TORONTO, ONTARIO – NOVEMBER 18: Pascal Siakam #43 of the Toronto Raptors drives against PJ Washington #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during their NBA basketball game at Scotiabank Arena on November 18, 2019 in Toronto, Canada. 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 Agreement. (Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images) /

Charlotte Hornets look up north to trade for Toronto’s Pascal Siakam

https://tradenba.com/trades/KcypbaKLh

Pascal Siakam, or “Spicy P” as he is sometimes known, officially claimed his place on the NBA’s radar by helping the Toronto Raptors capture the 2019 NBA Championship and then following that up with an All-Star selection in 2020.

While Siakam would not necessarily solve the Hornets’ problems at center, he would provide an intriguing option for small-ball lineups that Charlotte could deploy on occasion, and he would replace much of the outgoing production of Hayward.

At age 27, Siakam is still in the early stages of his prime and could prove to be a cornerstone player for Charlotte for years to come. With Toronto having had a disappointing year that culminated in missing the postseason for the first time since the 2012-13 season, the Raptors could explore moving off of their core of Kyle Lowry and Siakam and enter a rebuild.

By making this move, Toronto would likely want compensation in the form of a draft pick. Charlotte can insure itself by placing a top 10 protection on the pick, meaning that should the pick fall within the top 10, it would remain with the Hornets. Obviously, outliers exist, but typically a draft pick falling outside of the top 10 would have a best-case scenario of developing into a Siakam-level of player.

Jalen McDaniels also gets included in this deal mainly to help make the salaries match. While not a franchise centerpiece, McDaniels showed flashes in the home stretch of the season as Charlotte dealt with a plethora of injuries that forced him into action. Still only 23, McDaniels could prove to be a useful piece for the Raptors should they decide to go for a rebuild rather than running it back with the same core.

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