Hornets Trade Rumors: 5 Centers the team could trade for to compete now

Hornets trade rumors: 5 Centers Charlotte can trade for who could move the needle – Jusuf Nurkic

The Portland Trailblazers are reportedly in firesale mode, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. Everyone besides Damian Lillard seems to be available and even he could be looking to move from Portland.

Nurkic isn’t having the best season of his career but has been one of the league’s most consistent big men for several seasons now. He’s currently averaging 14.6 points and 10.7 rebounds (a career-best) per game.

This wouldn’t be the most glamorous of moves that the Hornets could make but they at least get a competent big guy who can hold his own down low. He’s by no means a rim protector, which is really what the Hornets need, but we’re at no place to be picky and literally, anything is better than what’s currently being put out on the floor.

Since his stock appears to be low, the Hornets may be able to make a team-friendly move without sending away too many important pieces. It comes down to the status of Lillard at the end of the day. If he stays Portland will likely want pieces that they can add around him to get back into the playoffs, but if he’s dealt they will want youth to begin their rebuild process.

On the flip side of that, the Hornets should be hesitant to send anything of value to Portland for a player who would be a rental with one year left on his contract.