The Charlotte Hornets found their new center before the trade deadline, picking up Montrezl Harrell from the Wizards for two players and a draft pick.
The NBA trade deadline had the Wizards making moves and the Hornets biding their time but the two eventually came together for a trade.
Washington sent center Montrezl Harrell to Charlotte in exchange for Vernon Carey Jr., Ish Smith and a future second-round draft pick, according to Adrian Wojnarowski.
What should fans on both sides of the trade think of this one?
Who won the Montrezl Harrell Wizards-Hornets trade?
Hornets Get
Montrezl Harrell
Wizards Get
Vernon Carey Jr.
Ish Smith
Future 2nd Round Pick
Charlotte Hornets trade grade: B
The Hornets were looking for a center at the trade deadline and they got one.
Harrell doesn’t represent the blockbuster fans may have been hoping for and he’s certainly not the dominant defensive presence they need.
That doesn’t mean this deal is bad considering the cost and potential payoff.
Harrell is for all intents and purposes a low-risk rental. He’ll make Charlotte better inside on offense and supply energy on both sides of the floor.
They’re getting better at the 5 as they prepare to battle for a playoff spot.
And they didn’t have to give up P.J. Washington to do it.
Washington Wizards trade grade: C
Harrell was heading for free agency this offseason anyway so getting something back for him makes sense.
Still, Ish Smith and Vernon Carey Jr. aren’t exactly going to move the needle aside from their salaries.
In other trades, Washington shipped out Spencer Dinwiddie, Davis Bertans and Aaron Holiday while bringing in Kristaps Porzingis, so there must be a plan. It’s just not clear what the roadmap is supposed to be on this one.