Mo Bamba – Orlando Magic

Going after a big man before the trade deadline is a move that definitely makes sense for the Hornets and if Myles Turner is going to be too costly, they could turn their attention to Mo Bamba. Having a career-year in Orlando, Bamba is a 23-year-old center that possesses some of the best length out of any big man in the league, but the concern here is that he is in the final year of his rookie contract. 

Currently averaging 10.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 2.2 blocks and shooting 33.7% from three-point range, Mo Bamba is everything the Hornets need in a center, but it is hard to believe that this acquisition would be anything more than a “one-year loan” type of move. 

This is not saying that the Hornets would not be able to re-sign Mo Bamba, because they absolutely could with him being a restricted free agent next offseason, but Charlotte is going to have their hands full with trying to retain Miles Bridges. 

Do they really want to try and deal with having to sign Mo Bamba to a long-term deal as well? 

LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: This Hornets-Pacers Trade Is Focused On Myles Turner To Charlotte

The other question presented in this scenario, much like the Indiana Pacers-Myles Turner scenario is what Charlotte would have to give up. The Magic are rebuilding right now, so they are going to want young talents and draft picks for any player they trade away. 

While they do have Wendell Carter Jr. in their frontcourt, the Magic may not be too fond of the idea of trading Bamba right now, which is why they could want guys like James Bouknight, Kai Jones and/or P.J. Washington in return for Bamba. 

The Hornets can definitely make a trade for Mo Bamba work, but his value is extremely high right now due to him having a career-year and being in the final year of his contract, there is just too much risk that will be assumed with this deal. 

Mo Bamba, like Myles Turner, is definitely a player that could fit in very well with the Charlotte Hornets, but the logistics financially in this deal just do not align for the Hornets long-term. 

Verdict: Pass