2 MORE TRADES THE HORNETS SHOULD MAKE

With CP3 off to the L.A. Clippers…it’s time for Hornets GM Dell Demps to start looking at other deals to get younger while remaining competative. 

Below are 2 trades that might work perfectly for the Hornets:

Weather deals like this happen soon or at the trade deadline…I expect Trevor Ariza, Emeka Okafor and Chris Kaman to be dealt as the Hornets rebuild.  I don’t have a trade right now involving Kaman because I think he’ll be with the team until the trade deadline.  Kaman has an expiring contract so serious contenders looking for a former all-star big man at the deadline (Dallas, Chicago) should come calling allowing the Hornets to pickup more young players/draft picks.   

Trade #1:

Emeka Okafor to Houston for Goran Dragic, Patrick Patterson, Chandler Parsons & the rights to Donatas Montiejunas

WHY:  Houston is desperate for a center…the only one they have on their roster right now is Hasheem Thabeet.  Okafor is a Houston native who’d be joining a playoff ready starting 5.  The Hornets get four very nice young players.

Trade #2:

Trevor Ariza to Minnesota Timberwolves for Anthony Randolph and Nikola Pekovic

WHY: Ariza will only stunt the growth of newly acquired Al-Farouq Aminu.  Minnesota has a ton of big men…way too many big men…so dumping a few and picking up a classy veteran who can be a good influence on all the young players the T’wolves have would work for both teams.

VERY Young & Rebuilding…yet competative 2011-2012 Hornets:

PG: Jarrett Jack/Goran Dragic

SG: Eric Gordon/Marco Belinelli

SF: Al-Farouq Aminu/Quincy Pondexter/Chandler Parsons

PF: Carl Landry/Patrick Patterson/Anthony Randolph

C: Chris Kaman, Nikola Pekovic, Jason Smith

*Montiejunas is playing over seas and will come to the NBA next season

*Two 1st round selections in 2012 NBA draft

Advertisement