Hornets acquire guard Courtney Lee in three-team trade
The Charlotte Hornets moved quickly following the news that wing Michael Kidd-Gilchrist needs shoulder surgery to repair a torn labrum, acquiring Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee in a three-team trade on Tuesday, according to multiple reports.
In return, the Hornets packaged guard P.J. Hairston with two second-round picks to send to the Grizzlies and sent backup point guard Brian Roberts to the Miami Heat. The Grizzlies also acquired two additional draft picks and Chris Anderson's expiring contract in the deal.
The 6-foot-5 Lee, the No. 22 overall pick in the 2008 draft, will provide immediate help in Charlotte alongside the likes of point guard Kemba Walker and fellow wing Nic Batum. The 30-year-old has posted 10 points per game on 51.9 percent effective shooting while averaging 2.3 rebounds and 1.5 assists this season. His outside shooting (38.3 percent career) should slot in comfortably with the Hornets' new-look approach from long range.
"Courtney has proven to be a team defender, a consistent outside shooter and a solid scorer in our league for the past eight years," general manager Rich Cho said in a statement. "Particularly in terms of experience, he adds depth to our roster in a position of need for us and we expect him to fit in to our system and contribute right away."
Lee is set to become an unrestricted free agent at season's end.
Charlotte's sent Memphis its own 2018 second-round pick and the rights to the Nets' 2019 second-round pick in the deal.
With the addition of point guard Jeremy Lin, the 30-year-old Roberts, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent as well, has seen his playing time reduced dramatically this season. Hairston, on the other hand, remains an intriguing young piece. Charlotte's 26th overall pick in the 2014 draft, Hairston has struggled to fit into coach Steve Clifford's plans given his defensive shortcomings, but his offensive game has improved from his rookie season and will be needed in Memphis. The Hornets had already elected not to pick up Hairston's team option for next season.
The Hornets entered the All-Star break in the playoff picture, sitting eighth in the Eastern Conference after missing the postseason in 2015. Acquiring Lee should provide enough of a lift to keep them in the running during the second half.
