Arron Afflalo: 5 Possible Trade Destinations

Dec 26, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (10) during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

CHARLOTTE HORNETS

It’s no secret that Lance Stephenson has been a major disappointment since signing with the Charlotte Hornets this past offseason, and the team has made a lot of noise behind the scenes in supposedly pursuing potential trade partners for Stephenson. I don’t think the Nuggets are a realistic trade partner for a deal that would bring Stephenson to Denver, but if Charlotte is able to move him, there’s a good chance they could have interest in Afflalo to fill his absence at shooting guard.

Stephenson is averaging under 10 points per game and shooting below 40% from the field, so Afflalo would be a solid upgrade for the Hornets at the 2-guard position. Beyond Stephenson, Charlotte doesn’t have a ton to offer in return. But if we assume Denver is most interested in acquiring players with expiring contracts and draft picks, the Hornets could send undersized center Bismack Biyombo and guard Gary Neal to Denver. Both players are on contracts in the $3 million dollar range that are set to expire at the end of this season, which could open roster spots for the Nuggets. The only downside is Charlotte doesn’t have much to offer in terms of draft picks beyond a couple of future second round picks, but if they can acquire a decent pick in off-loading Stephenson, that could help sweeten the deal for the Nuggets.

Next: Afflalo Heads to Lob City