They may be in the play-in tournament range right now, but the Charlotte Hornets are one of the best offensive teams in the NBA this season. Currently ranking 3rd in the league in offensive rating, 2nd in pace of play and 2nd in points per game, the Hornets have really taken a big step this year and everything starts with the play of LaMelo Ball.
Putting up All-Star worthy numbers, LaMelo Ball has established himself as one of the best point guards in the league and one of the best facilitators as well. His 7.6 assists per game rank 8th in the NBA right now and while he can be turnover prone, this Hornets’ offense is great because of LaMelo.
Gordon Hayward, Miles Bridges, Terry Rozier and Kelly Oubre Jr. have also helped this team grow into a powerhouse offensively, but this team’s biggest problem is on defense.
Charlotte ranks just 28th in the league in defensive rating this season and they are surrendering an average of 116.7 points per game, the worst in the NBA. Currently 19-19 in the Eastern Conference, the Hornets certainly have a playoff-caliber offense, but in order for them to make the playoffs for the first-time since 2016, they will need to add some defensive talents at the trade deadline.
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The addition of Mason Plumlee has definitely been a step up from Cody Zeller for this franchise, but still, a lot of the Hornets’ problems lie in their frontcourt. Moving Plumlee for a better big man is a real possibility this season and there is no better time for the Hornets to pursue Myles Turner than right now.
For years now, Myles Turner has seen his name pop up in trade rumors across the NBA and Charlotte has been one of the teams highly linked to him. Being one of the best shot-blockers in the league and being on a very affordable contract, the Hornets could look to acquire Turner at a fairly reasonable price around the trade deadline this season.
About a month ago, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Indiana Pacers were on the verge of rebuilding and that they would be receptive to trade offers for All-Star Domantas Sabonis, Caris LeVert and big man Myles Turner.
While Indiana’s ownership and management has shot down the rumors that they are looking to rebuild, now is the time for them to move on from Turner.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: What Will It Take For Hornets To Trade Gordon Hayward?
His value on offense is very small for this franchise given their inability to utilize him correctly and he is replaceable in the frontcourt. The Indiana Pacers are high on rookie Isaiah Jackson moving forward, so moving Turner right now could free up essential playing time for Jackson.
Could the Charlotte Hornets actually pull off a trade for Myles Turner ahead of the NBA trade deadline? Let’s take a look at a deal that could get the job done.
