Does this trade make sense for the Charlotte Hornets?
The Charlotte Hornets kind of snuck into this trade with the Clippers and the Wizards and at the expense of three second-round picks, they get a young center that can start for them immediately. This season, Ivica Zubac has moved to the bench as a result of Serge Ibaka joining the Clippers, but he is more than capable of being the starting center for them.
In fact, with Ibaka being out the last few weeks, Zubac has stepped up into a much bigger role and has been fantastic for the Clippers. In the last 11 games without Ibaka, Ivica Zubac is averaging 10.6 points, 9.0 rebounds, 1.5 blocks and is shooting 80% from the floor! Not to mention, he has three double-doubles over this span.
Zubac is more than capable of being a starting center in this league and with Cody Zeller set to become a free agent, this could be a major pickup for the Charlotte Hornets. Zubac is owed just $22M through the 2022-23 season, making his contract extremely valuable given what he can do on the court.
RELATED: NBA Trade Rumors: This Hornets-Thunder offseason trade sends Al Horford to Charlotte
This season, the Hornets have been really impressive and are a young team on the rise. Getting another young talent in Ivica Zubac to be their starting center not only solidifies their frontcourt, but allows the Hornets to focus on adding more key talents to their second-unit to turn this team into a threat in the East.
With all of the high-level talents on this team and their ability to score at will, all they need is a reliable center, which is exactly why this trade makes complete sense for the Charlotte Hornets. Adding Zubac for three second-round picks is a steal and something they should try to do as soon as possible.
