Tag: Charlotte Hornets

5 realistic trade ideas for the Timberwolves No. 1 overall pick

This is fun!

It is Wednesday. The NBA draft is here. Yet, somehow, we still have no idea who the Minnesota Timberwolves want to take with the number one overall pick.

It’s rare that you’d ever see a team actively shopping such a valuable pick — especially when that team wasn’t actually good last year — but it seems that the Wolves are really trying to trade their pick, per the Athletic’s Jon Krawczynski.

So far, there have certainly been a number of suitors for the pick who have made calls, but obviously, nothing has moved just yet.

Let’s help them out a bit. Here are a few realistic trade ideas that the Wolves might seriously consider for the top pick in this year’s draft.

Hornets may want Russell Westbrook more if LaMelo Ball isn’t available

Per Marc Stein of The New York Times, Charlotte’s interest in trading for Westbrook could grow if Ball isn’t available to draft at No. 3.

Charlotte’s interest in trading with the Houston Rockets for disgruntled All-Star guard Russell Westbrook might rise significantly if they aren’t able to select rookie guard LaMelo Ball early in Wednesday’s draft.

Here’s what Marc Stein of The New York Times says in his latest newsletter, which was distributed on Tuesday afternoon:

In the Hornets’ case, there is a belief in some corners of the league that their appetite for a Westbrook trade increases significantly if Charlotte does not land LaMelo Ball with the No. 3 overall pick in Wednesday’s draft. Michael Jordan, Charlotte’s owner, is a known Westbrook admirer. Should the playmaking Ball be drafted before the Hornets’ turn at No. 3, according to the theory, there is a much stronger case to be made for trading for Westbrook in spite of the cost and attendant risk.

Minnesota and Golden State are the two teams slotted to pick in front of Charlotte in the draft. Neither seems to have finalized its choice.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook “has a desire to return to his prior floor-general role” from earlier seasons in Oklahoma City. That could make a destination such as Charlotte realistic, since there isn’t another All-Star guard in place (unlike Houston with James Harden).

Here’s what Charania said about the situation late last week:

Sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple other teams mentioned as a possibility for the one-time league MVP. But in Charlotte, there are movable veteran contracts, as well as the Jordan Brand connection for Westbrook [with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan].

Based on the NBA’s rules for salary matching in trades, Houston could take back approximately $50 million at the high end of a transaction, should they trade Westbrook (who will make over $41 million next season). Those salaries could all come from one team, or it could be spread out, if the trade was expanded to include a third or fourth team.

Charlotte could also absorb part of Westbrook’s large contract into its available cap space, if the Rockets wanted to generate a large traded player exception (TPE) to potentially use elsewhere.

If it was just a two-team deal involving the Rockets and Hornets (player salaries), potential assets in a transaction could include:

Terry Rozier, guard ($18.4 million per year, for two more seasons)
Nicolas Batum, forward ($27.1 million per year, for one season)
Cody Zeller, center ($15.4 million per year, for one season)
Malik Monk, guard ($5.3 million per year, for one season)

The Hornets will also have whatever rookie they select at No. 3 in Wednesday’s draft, but it’s unclear if they would move that type of premium asset for Westbrook — who turned 32 years old last Thursday.

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Report: ‘Growing sense’ that Anthony Edwards will be the No. 1 pick in 2020 NBA Draft

Despite a strong week last week from LaMelo Ball with private workouts, Anthony Edwards may be moving to the top pick in the 2020 NBA Draft.

After trending toward LaMelo Ball being a lock for the No. 1 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft last week, the start of draft week has seen a change at the top of the draft. DraftExpress’ Mike Schmitz appeared on Sportscenter on Monday morning to discuss the latest mock draft from himself and Jonathan Givony released on Monday as well.

The big change in that draft is LaMelo Ball being supplanted as the top pick with Anthony Edwards going to the Timberwolves. James Wiseman would go second to the Warriors and Ball would slip to Hornets at No. 3. Schmitz explained the reasoning for the trade.

“There’s a growing sense among NBA circles that if the draft were today, Anthony Edwards would be the favorite. There’s still figuring some things out. Nothing is set in stone but I think it’s an issue of fit more than anything. Teams don’t exactly see a bonfaide superstar at the top, right? So the first pick, the second pick, the third, they’re really going to evaluate fit with their team and if you look at the Minnesota Timberwolves, their two best players (are a) point guard in D’Angelo Russell and center in (Karl-Anthony Towns) so Anthony Edwards is the best fit there.”

The move is particularly interesting after Ball finally hit the court for individual workouts for teams last week. Though DraftExpress noted in their mock draft that Ball had strong showings in those workouts, Ball falling from the top spot doesn’t appear to be a result of that. Instead, it seems to be a result of the constant debate the Timberwolves have had since landing the No. 1 pick in fit versus talent.

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Woj: Rockets open to Westbrook trade, but contract stalls market

“Maybe that market opens up over time, but right now, his immediate future remains in Houston with the Rockets,” Woj said of Westbrook.

The Houston Rockets are “very open” to trading All-Star guard Russell Westbrook after his recent trade request, but it may not happen soon (if at all) due to a slow-moving marketplace for his massive contract, according to ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski.

While a deal isn’t imminent, this is the first report to confirm interest on Houston’s side in exploring a trade. Media reports in previous days were solely from the perspective of Westbrook, who lacks the leverage to force a move since he’s under contract for at least two more seasons.

Here’s what Woj said on Friday night’s SportsCenter:

The organization, right now, has no intention of engaging in any trade talks with James Harden. They expect to play this season out with him.

Russell Westbrook, they are open to talking to teams. Both sides are very open to it, but I’m told it’s a very slow-developing marketplace for Russell Westbrook. There are not teams right now who are ready to move quickly, at the very least, to take on a $132-million investment on in these economic times… and at Westbrook’s advancing age [32]. Maybe that market opens up over time, but right now, his immediate future remains in Houston with the Rockets.

Westbrook is owed more than $85 million over the next two seasons combined, and he has a 2022-23 player option worth $47.1 million.

The Charlotte Hornets and New York Knicks are among rumored suitors, but it’s unclear whether they would execute a trade now. If not, the Rockets may need to try and mend the relationship — since training camp for the 2020-21 season is just over two weeks away on Tuesday, Dec. 1.

The NBA’s moratorium on trades is expected to be lifted early next week, with 2020 free agency set to open on Friday, Nov. 20.

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Report: LaMelo Ball held workout for Warriors, Hornets, Pistons coaches and executives

One day after holding a workout with the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball conducted a second workout with the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors on Thursday

One day after holding a workout with the Minnesota Timberwolves, LaMelo Ball conducted a second workout with the Detroit Pistons, Charlotte Hornets and Golden State Warriors on Thursday, according to a report from DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony.

“Projected No. 1 overall pick LaMelo Ball conducted an individual workout in front of head coaches and executives for the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons on Thursday in Southern California, sources told ESPN.”

Ball also submitted for a medical examination with results being dispersed to all 30 teams, meaning he will not withhold medical records from teams. Typically, only prospects with an injury history withhold medical records but Ball’s lone injury was a bone bruise in his foot with Illawarra last season.

The Warriors and Hornets presence at the workout means Ball will have worked out for the top three teams in the draft. Detroit being included in the workout would seem to indicate the Pistons are serious about moving up in the draft.

There have been multiple previous reports about the Pistons being interested in Ball and potentially trading up and that interest seems valid if the franchise is attending the workout. Ball also has ties to the Detroit area through his manager Jermaine Jackson, who grew up in Detroit. Ball has spent the months leading up to the draft preparing in Detroit as well.

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LaMelo Ball worked out for 3 more teams, including Warriors and Pistons

Potential No. 1 pick LaMelo Ball reportedly worked out in front of three more teams on Thursday in Southern California.

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Potential No. 1 pick LaMelo Ball on Thursday reportedly conducted a workout in front of three more teams in Southern California, according to Jonathan Givony of ESPN.

Ball worked out in front of head coaches and executives for the Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Detroit Pistons, the teams that hold the Nos. 2, 3 and 7 picks, respectively. The workout was the second that Ball has held prior to the NBA draft next week.

On Wednesday, Ball conducted his first private workout during the pre-draft process with the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have the No. 1 overall pick. Ball went through a variety of shooting drills and other exercises to test his ball-handling and conditioning and performed well.

The 19-year-old is widely projected to be a top-three pick but the inclusion of the Pistons at the workout could indicate the organization is interested in trading up to take him. The Pistons have been rumored into wanting to make a trade and may go all in to get Ball.

Ball has previously interviewed in-person with the Warriors, Hornets and Chicago Bulls, who were not at the workout. The Pistons have also said previously they were going to schedule a visit with Ball prior to the draft.

The NBA draft is scheduled to begin on Nov. 18 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN.

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Report: Charlotte emerges as Russell Westbrook trade suitor

The Rockets could take back as much as $50 million in salary from the Hornets, who have several intriguing veterans potentially available.

The Charlotte Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for All-Star guard Russell Westbrook, who wants the Houston Rockets to trade him.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, Westbrook “has a desire to return to his prior floor-general role” from earlier seasons in Oklahoma City. That could make a destination such as Charlotte realistic, since there isn’t another All-Star guard in place (unlike Houston with James Harden).

As for the latest, here’s what Charania said on Thursday morning:

Sources tell me the Hornets have emerged as a potential suitor for Westbrook. There have been a couple other teams mentioned as a possibility for the one-time league MVP. But in Charlotte, there are movable veteran contracts, as well as the Jordan Brand connection for Westbrook [with Charlotte owner Michael Jordan].

So far in talks, the Rockets have been protective of both James Harden and Russell Westbrook, but there is plenty of time between now and Wednesday’s NBA Draft.

Based on the NBA’s rules for salary matching in trades, Houston could take back approximately $50 million at the high end of a transaction, should they trade Westbrook (who will make over $41 million next season). Those salaries could all come from one team, or it could be spread out, if the trade was expanded to include a third or fourth team.

Charlotte could also absorb part of Westbrook’s large contract into its available cap space, if the Rockets wanted to save money and get additional breathing room beneath the league’s luxury tax threshold.

If it was just a two-team deal involving the Rockets and Hornets (player salaries), potential assets in a transaction could include:

Terry Rozier, guard ($18.4 million per year, for two more seasons)
Nicolas Batum, forward ($27.1 million per year, for one season)
Cody Zeller, center ($15.4 million per year, for one season)
Malik Monk, guard ($5.3 million per year, for one season)

The Hornets also have the No. 3 overall selection in the Nov. 20 draft as a potential asset, though it’s unclear if they would move that premium pick for Westbrook — who turned 32 years old on Thursday.

The NBA’s moratorium on trades is expected to be lifted early next week, with free agency set to open on Friday, Nov. 20.

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Report: LaMelo Ball has interviewed with Wolves, Warriors, Hornets and Bulls ahead of 2020 NBA Draft

A week out from the 2020 NBA Draft, LaMelo Ball has held interviews with the Timberwolves, Warriors, Hornets and Bulls.

DraftExpress’ Jonathan Givony reported on Wednesday that Timberwolves worked out LaMelo Ball, his first private workout in the 2020 NBA predraft process, Included in his report, though, was another interesting nugget of information.

Along with the Timberwolves and Warriors, Ball has interviewed with the Hornets and Bulls.

“It was the first private workout Ball granted an NBA team, after previously meeting and interviewing with the Timberwolves, Golden State Warriors, Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, who collectively hold the top four picks in the draft.”

Those four teams, along with the New York Knicks, are the only teams to interview Ball before the draft. With draft night still a week away, Ball could conceivably interview with another team, particularly if a franchise trades up to the No. 1 pick. But that he has remained rather selective as to who he interviews with means that teams that have had the opportunity should count themselves lucky.

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LeBron James was hyped off of Cam Newton’s 4th q comeback W on Monday

New England Patriots quarterback Cam Newton showed up on the road for a big win over New York on Monday night.

LeBron James isn’t in chill mode even though his Los Angeles Lakers are getting ready for yet another NBA season, which comes much sooner than many expected. But as we know, LeBron is also a huge NFL fan. He’s been watching a ton of NFL football, cheering on his Cleveland Browns and also just being a top notch football fan in general.

Enter Monday night and his good friend, New England Patriots quarterback Cameron Newton. Newton was at the controls for the Patriots in what was a difficult night for the squad. The Patriots had to grind more than anyone thought for a win last night against a fearsome, Bill Belichick-coached squad.

So LeBron James was hyped to see his friend Cam Newton go on the road to get an important win. While the AFC East is wide open, the Patriots need to keep pace with the rest of the people who want to make noise in the conference and nights like tonight help keep the peace in the East.

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LaMelo Ball slotted third overall to Charlotte Hornets in LA Times 2020 NBA mock draft

The Charlotte Hornets appear to be a more likely landing spot for LaMelo Ball with each passing day ahead of the 2020 NBA Draft.

The Charlotte Hornets are becoming a more and more common landing spot for LaMelo Ball as the 2020 NBA Draft nears. After being projected to head to the Michael Jordan-owned franchise by USA Today earlier in the week, the LA Times recently followed suit.

In a mock draft from Dan Woike, Ball landed in Charlotte after Anthony Edwards went first to the Timberwolves and James Wiseman went second to the Warriors.

“The Hornets are rumored to be in the market for a center, and Wiseman would be perfect. But if he’s off the board, would they look elsewhere for the big man they need? They’ve got point guards in Terry Rozier and Devonte’ Graham, but neither of those players should keep you from taking Ball, maybe the most talented player in the draft. He’s perfect for the NBA pick-and-roll and can stretch defenses with his range. His defense is bad, but with effort and reps, there’s room for growth.”

An interesting aspect of the Hornets’ strategy in the NBA Draft will be how they react if James Wiseman is off the board at No. 3. The Hornets’ biggest and most obvious need is a big and most assume that will be the way they go if Wiseman is on the board. If he is not, the team will have an interesting decision between drafting whichever of Ball or Edwards is still on the board or going after a player like Onyeka Okongwu, who is the next best big on most draft boards.

The Hornets would also be in the driver’s seat for trade talks if Ball is on the board at No. 3. Any number of teams could be interested in trading up with Charlotte and it could be a way for them to gain an asset and move down and draft Okongwu.

Interestingly, in Woike’s mock, Okongwu goes to the Knicks with the No. 8 pick. New York is primed to be a side to trade up for Ball and it could be a deal that works for both sides.

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