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2016 NBA Trade Deadline Grades For All 30 Teams

By Gerald Bourguet

Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) drives to the basket under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2014; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) drives to the basket under pressure from Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) at US Airways Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA Trade Deadline
Dec 8, 2015; Memphis, TN, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Courtney Lee (5) drives against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) in the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-USA TODAY Sports /

Charlotte Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets only made one deal at the deadline, but it was quite an impressive move. By sending P.J. Hairston and two second round picks to the Memphis Grizzlies, while also sending Brian Roberts to the Miami Heat as a part of this three-team deal, the Hornets netted Courtney Lee, an extremely useful two-way player who will help Charlotte pursue a playoff spot.

As of right now, the Hornets sit at eighth in the East with a 27-26 record. But the Pistons improved at the deadline as well, and with Michael Kidd-Gilchrist out, the Hornets will really enjoy the perimeter shooting and wing defense that Lee will provide at the 2-spot.

Nicolas Batum will likely move over to the 3-spot, and for a team that’s been winning without Al Jefferson, this group has a great chance of making the playoffs as long as everyone stays healthy. Jefferson should be back soon and the Hornets only gave away two players on the fringe of the rotation in this trade.

Giving up on Hairston and two second-rounders is a small price to pay for a two-way player like Lee, who will spread the floor with his 37 percent three-point shooting.

Lee is not a complete game-changer, and the Hornets will have decisions to make this summer when Batum, Jefferson and Lee all become unrestricted free agents, but this team has plenty of time to build positive momentum before then.

Grade: A-

Next: Chicago Bulls