What's new for the Charlotte Hornets? They are currently 11th place in the Eastern Conference with a 22-29 record, which is around five games back from the eight seed. Even with Kemba Walker, who is averaging 22.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game, the Hornets haven't obtained any success this season. That is why this team may be in trouble in the near future.
The Hornets currently have approximately $117 million in guaranteed contracts this season. The NBA's luxury tax threshold is somewhere around $119 million. Owner Michael Jordan has repeatedly expressed that he doesn't intend paying the luxury tax for a team that isn't a serious contender. Therefore, the Hornets now have to find an immediate solution to shed money off their books. One of those solutions could be trading away Jeremy Lamb. As a matter of fact, the Hornets may be forced to trade him, per Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer.
Article Continues BelowInterestingly, the Hornets have a ridiculously exorbitant payroll to be underachievers. Six players in Cody Zeller, Walker, Nicolas Batum, Dwight Howard, Marvin Williams, and Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will all earn more than $12 million this year. Two of those players, Howard and Batum, have the most expensive contracts on the Hornets' books. The former will receive $23.8 million and the latter is owed $24 million.
Walker has a relatively cheap deal and will make $12 million this year. All of these contracts will eventually put the Hornets over the luxury tax threshold, prompting them to trade one of their players.
Jeremy Lamb is having a breakout year for the Hornets. He is averaging 13.6 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game while shooting 35 percent from deep. Being on a team-friendly contract that expires after next season, Lamb is the Hornets' most attractive trade piece. Though, time will tell if the Hornets plan to pull the trigger on a potential deal.