The Charlotte Hornets and Memphis Grizzlies’ seasons have both ended, though in different fashions. The Hornets were bumped in the play-in, missing the playoffs entirely. Memphis finished a strong season in the second round of the NBA playoffs, losing to the Golden State Warriors.
The two franchises saw varying degrees of success this season – and now both look to the offseason for potential improvements.
If the Hornets’ play-in loss showed anything about the team, it was a desperate need to upgrade at center. Mason Plumlee was simply not cutting it on the defensive end, and his horrific free throw shooting (39.2%) made him almost unplayable.
Montrezl Harrell was a quality backup, providing an offensive punch from the bench. He doesn’t bring enough size to help on the defensive side, though. He faces legal problems as well.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Hornets, Knicks, Raptors Are Myles Turner Trade Suitors To Watch
Memphis’ play-off run showed a lot for them. But one of the key takeaways was that center Steven Adams became almost unnecessary. Adams started 75 games for Memphis this season, but after a disastrous first playoff game he only saw the floor sporadically in the postseason.
Memphis clearly has a need for a screening center like Adams in the regular season, but in the postseason, not so much.
Let’s look at a trade that can help both of these teams fill their respective needs.
