Charlotte Hornets guard Devonte' Graham has been fairly underutilized this season due to the recent arrival of rookie standout LaMelo Ball. A few days away from the deadline, other Eastern Conference teams such as the Indiana Pacers and the New York Knicks are expected to make a run for the 26-year-old point guard in a bid to add more depth to their respective rosters.
Via Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report:
“Hornets chief executive Mitch Kupchak is not known to swing many midseason deals, but the Indiana Pacers are a team to watch in this situation, sources said, as are the active Knicks. Perhaps there's a deal that sends Myles Turner to Charlotte, which has long coveted a center, sources said, and the Pacers have maintained a willingness to discuss Turner dating back to last offseason.”
After a stellar 2019-20 campaign, Graham is only averaging 13.2 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.7 rebounds through 31 appearances. Despite losing touches this season, the Kansas product has already shown his scoring and playmaking abilities in recent years which still makes him an intriguing talent for many teams.
The Pacers have emerged as an interested trade partner and their center in Myles Turner would definitely fit in a Hornets squad that lacks prolific big men on its roster. Certainly, Charlotte would have to add another asset along with Graham if they truly want to land the services of Turner leading up to the trade deadline.
On the other hand, despite having multiple guards on their roster, the Knicks are still reportedly interested in acquiring Graham. Needless to say, his current situation was hugely affected by the season-ending injury sustained by Ball.
After losing their prized rookie, the Hornets would likely give Graham more minutes and would show a willingness to pay and keep him around. According to Bleacher Report, the third-year playmaker is expected to garner a multi-year deal ranging from $52 million and $64 million.
Devonte' Graham is still finding himself in an uncertain situation but either of the two scenarios is not looking too shabby at all. In the end, the idea of staying in Charlotte or getting traded to another team can still open up opportunities for him to bounce back and play like his previous self for the remainder of the season.
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