The Charlotte Hornets should pursue Montrezl Harrell in 2021 NBA Free agency
Montrezl Harrell is a player that would have been a perfect fit for the Charlotte Hornets last offseason, and that sentiment still proves true this time around.
Just like Drummond, Harrell saw his playing time fizzle during their postseason run with the Lakers. Harrell played just 39 minutes across six games in LA’s first-round series with the Phoenix Suns, primarily finding himself glued to the bench. After seeing his minutes cut, Harrell holds a $9.7 million player option to remain with the Lakers for next season, but he could potentially see a bigger market if he decides to opt-out.
If he does indeed test the open waters of free agency, the Hornets make sense as an ideal destination for the big man. First and foremost, he would have a sizeable role far larger than he did with Los Angeles. As evidenced by his 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year award, Harrell has proven to be best suited to come off the bench, but he could potentially take that next step into a starting opportunity with the Hornets.
Harrell has proven himself more than worthy by averaging 16.2 points on 60.4 percent shooting from the field, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists over the past three seasons. Numbers like that would unquestionably help improve Charlotte from the jump, and Harrell would thrive offensively playing alongside a player like Ball with the one-two punch they could become.
With an uncertain future in Los Angeles, Harrell could receive a bigger opportunity and a raise by potentially taking his talents to Charlotte. Yet, it all hinges on what he decides to do with his player option when the time comes to decide, but the Hornets will likely be monitoring the situation.