The Wilson Chandler Trades, Part I: The Eastern Conference

Charlotte Hornets

ESPN’s NBA Trade Machine Results: Hornets -1 Wins, Nuggets Unaffected

This trade would be of low-risk, as no involved player is crucial to the success of either team.

Why the Hornets would do it:

Both Hawes and Belinelli are inconsistent. They are low-producers for the team, and swapping them out for Wilson Chandler, who would likely become the Hornets’ sixth-man, would cost them very little. Chandler has starter credentials and plays with much more consistent production than Hawes and Belinelli combined. The Hornets would lose some depth, but gain a better player.

Why the Nuggets would do it:

While Hawes is no starting PF, his ability to spread the floor could be useful. The Nuggets wouldn’t need to play him much, but having Hawes on reserve in case of injury wouldn’t hurt. Having Belinelli as a bench option clearly poised behind Will Barton would allow the rotation to be less crowded with talent. That sounds like the opposite of what a team should do, but with so many young players that need developing, it may simply be in the Nuggets’ best interests.

This trade would probably mean Darrell Arthur playing some SF and PF off the bench. Both Hawes and Belinelli would be very low-use options for the Nuggets. Still, either one could come in handy in the wake of injury. Both player does also possess the potential to have a couple nights of big production here and there. The Nuggets wouldn’t be quick to trade Chandler to Charlotte. They can get more for him from other teams. Still, this option wouldn’t hurt the Nuggets’ chances of success.

Next: Chicago Bulls