Charlotte Hornets

Hornets acquire second-year center Willy Hernangomez from Knicks

Published Feb. 7, 2018 4:48 p.m. ET

FOX Sports Carolinas

The Charlotte Hornets added second-year center Willy Hernangomez to their frontcourt depth on Wednesday in a trade with the New York Knicks, sending backup big man Johnny O'Bryant and two draft picks in return.

Charlotte traded its 2020 and 2021 second-round picks in the deal.

“We’re excited to add a player of Willy’s caliber to our team,” said Hornets general manager Rich Cho said in a statement. “He showed last season that he can contribute when given the opportunity and we believe that the added depth he provides will benefit our frontcourt rotation.”

https://twitter.com/willyhg94/status/961328094308159488

Hernangomez, 23, was an NBA First-Team All-Rookie selection last year but has only played in 26 games — averaging nine minutes per outing — in his second NBA season. In 98 career games, he's averaging 7.1 points and 5.8 rebounds, though his offensive efficiency has declined dramatically in Year 2.

Hernangomez joins a frontcourt that features Dwight Howard, Cody Zeller, Frank Kaminsky and Marvin Williams heading into Thursday's NBA trade deadline.