The Charlotte Hornets are exceeding expectations this season. A lot of this can be attributed to the success of rookie LaMelo Ball. He’s averaging 16 points, six rebounds, and six assists per game. In addition, Gordon Hayward has emerged as a difference-maker in this league once again. Terry Rozier has been solid as well, pouring in more than 20 points per game. With that being said, it’s clear that Ball is the future of this team. Charlotte must look into trading Rozier (while he’s valuable) so they can focus on building around Ball.
Terry Rozier: Potential Trade Packages
The Lakers Go All-In with Terry Rozier
The trade: The Hornets send Rozier and Bismack Biyombo to the Los Angeles Lakers for Montrezl Harrell and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope.
It’s no secret that Charlotte needs help upfront. Harrell, although a tad undersized, addresses this issue. He’s a tough defender, tenacious rebounder, and a great scorer in the paint. Harrell can certainly put up a nightly double-double on this Hornets squad as well as elevate their play. Caldwell-Pope is a nice piece as well, allowing Ball to have more of a traditional shooting guard in the backcourt. The Georgetown product is an excellent 3-and-d option when he’s on his game, and he’ll have plenty of open looks in Charlotte.
The Lakers do this to have a menacing offense come playoff team. A starting five of Dennis Schröder, Rozier, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Marc Gasol will give teams fits. Los Angeles will have excellent guard play, making the load lighter on James. Having one of Schröder or Rozier on the floor with Davis, while James is on the bench, still makes the Lakers a great scoring punch. Biyombo will slightly make up for the loss of Harrell. He’s not as talented defensively but will bring the toughness and rim-protection on defense.
Golden State Continues to Elevate their Guard Play with Terry Rozier
The trade: The Hornets send Rozier and Vernon Carey to the Golden State Warriors for Kelly Oubre and Kevon Looney.
Charlotte will have a decision to make with Devonte’ Graham this offseason, so this deal gives them help now as well as flexibility this offseason. Oubre is a terrific slashing and scoring option to have in Charlotte’s offense, and he’s on an expiring contract. His scoring ability won’t go unnoticed playing with Ball, so perhaps they’ll opt to keep him. Either way, their offense remains explosive with this trade. In addition, Looney offers help now in the frontcourt. He won’t blow-up the box score, but he’s an experienced big man who brings the intangibles.
The Warriors get Rozier in this trade who will add to their array of scorers. They’ll have a three-headed guard monster next season as well pairing Rozier with Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. Golden State is clearly in “win-now” mode as long as they have a healthy Curry and Thompson, so this move helps that. Carey is still unproven in the league, but a solid young big man to have in the ranks. His youth and determination to learn could also push James Wiseman into unleashing all of his potential.
Indiana and Charlotte Hit the Blockbuster Option
The trade: The Hornets send Rozier and Cody Zeller to the Indiana Pacers for Myles Turner and Jeremy Lamb.
It seems as if the Pacers have shopped Turner for a while, mostly due to his fit alongside Domantas Sabonis. It’s clear that Sabonis is the superior big man and the one to build around, so this trade gives them that option. Zeller will be a nice fill-in for frontcourt depth, but what’s attractive about his acquisition is his hefty expiring contract.
Rozier adds another scoring punch to the Pacers, who will certainly continue to improve with Caris LeVert beginning to play again. Throw in Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. Warren and the Pacers become an Eastern Conference dark horse.
Turner complements this Charlotte team really well and is possibly the best frontcourt option they can trade for on the market. His defense and shot-blocking are elite, and his fit with Ball is dreamy. Being the lone “star” big man on a team will definitely do Turner wonders as well. Lamb is also more than a throw-in, as he’s a very solid scorer to have around. He’ll knock down open threes and will keep a modest 10-12 points per game range in Charlotte.
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