Hornets Get: Courtney Lee G
Heat Get: Brian Roberts G
Grizzlies Get: P.J. Hairston G, Chris Andersen F/C, Two 2nds via MIA (2017 MIA*, 2019 BOS**) , Two 2nds via CHA (2018 CHA, 2019 BKN)
Hornets
The Hornets landed the big fish in the first three-way trade of the deadline, obtaining guard Courtney Lee.
In the midst of a dead heat in the Eastern Conference playoff race, the Hornets received horrible news last week – Michael Kidd-Gilchrist tore his labrum again and would need season ending surgery.
The news came after Kidd-Gilchrist’s triumphant return from a torn labrum he suffered in the preseason. In the seven game stretch Kidd-Gilchrist played, the Hornets went 5-2, toppling three Eastern Conference playoff teams, including the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Having dealt with season long injuries to their wing positions, the Hornets felt the need to make a move to bolster their depth. Bringing in Courtney Lee, who is a legitimate 3-and-D player, gives the Hornets the ability to keep Batum at small forward and bring Jeremy Lamb off the bench at either spot.
The move gives the Hornets a good chance to hold onto their playoff positioning (currently 7th), with a chance to move up in the rankings. And while Courtney Lee is a free agent this offseason, the Hornets acquired his Bird Rights, meaning they can go over the cap to resign him.
The price of Brian Roberts, and the two 2nds, isn’t egregiously high, but it’s hard to see the Hornets’ plan beyond this year. Nearly every key player on their team is pending free agency (Al Jefferson, Nicolas Batum, Marvin Williams, Courtney Lee, Jeremy Lamb). Add Courtney Lee to the myriad of moving parts the Hornets will deal with this offseason.
Grade – B
Heat
From Miami’s perspective, this is simply a business transaction. Both Brian Roberts and Chris Andersen are on expiring contracts this year.
At the time of this trade, the Heat are above the luxury tax apron of $84.7 million. As a repeat tax offender (over the apron 3 out of the last 4 years) the Heat are subject to additional penalties if they are over the apron this year.
By dealing out Andersen’s $5 million contract and receiving Robert’s $2,854,940 the Heat will save $5,362,650 in luxury tax expenditure, paying two 2nd round picks to do so.
Grade – B
Grizzlies
After losing Marc Gasol for the rest of the season with a broken right foot, the Grizzlies’ chances of contending in the West dropped to nearly zero.
With this season lost, it was time to exercise some pragmatism and get value for the impending free agent Courtney Lee. While Lee has been a solid option, the Grizzlies primary focus this offseason is resigning Mike Conley. As Conley is likely to command a maximum contract, the Grizzlies would likely have renounced his Bird Rights this offseason to clear his cap hold of $8,512,500.
The four 2nd round picks are certainly good value for a player the Grizzlies would have let go in the offseason anyway. They will also get half a season to evaluate the 23-year old P.J. Hairston, who still has the potential to be an impact player in this league.
Grade – B+
*2017 MIA 2nd rounder is protected selections 41-60, unprotected in 2018
**2019 BOS 2nd rounder is protected selections 31-35