Los Angeles Lakers Receive: G Terry Rozier
Charlotte Hornets Receive: F Talen Horton-Tucker, G Kendrick Nunn, F Wenyen Gabriel, 2027 First-round Pick (top-12 protected)
This trade package between the Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets is a scenario in which the Hornets do not want to take Russell Westbrook back. But, they are still achieving their goal of slashing some future salary.
Talen Horton-Tucker is under contract through 2024, but at 21 years old, he fits the timeline in Charlotte. In need of more players capable of playing defense, Horton-Tucker offers a lot of potential on that end of the court. He has the length to defend multiple positions and could become their ace on that end of the floor.
Kendrick Nunn provides the team with a veteran presence in the backcourt to replace what Terry Rozier bought. While not the defender that Rozier is, bringing on Nunn should open up some minutes for 2021 lottery pick, James Bouknight to get into the rotation.
Wenyen Gabriel is included to help match salary. Los Angeles needed to cut about $1.9 million more along with Horton-Tucker and Nunn, and Gabriel helps get them to that number. He played pretty well when pressed into duty at the end of the regular season.
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Because the Lakers are getting the best player in this deal, they are surrendering a first-round pick. But, because Rozier has such a long contract and this could be looked at as a salary dump, it is lottery-protected in case more underwhelming seasons are on the horizon.
