NBA Trades: The Hornets need to trade for Myles Turner

Dec 29, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2021; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) shoots the ball while Charlotte Hornets center Mason Plumlee (24) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
1 of 3
NBA Trades, Hornets, Myles Turner
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – NOVEMBER 20: Myles Turner #33 of the Indiana Pacers reacts after a dunk in the game against the New Orleans Pelicans during the third quarter at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on November 20, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana, NBA Trades: The Hornets need to trade for Myles Turner. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

With the 2022 NBA trade deadline shortly on the horizon, the Charlotte Hornets should be interested in making an aggressive move to strengthen their roster. Although many potential assets could be available on the market, Myles Turner should be the top target on the team’s shortlist.

The Hornets are currently sitting at seventh in the Eastern Conference with a 25-20 record. Led by rising superstar LaMelo Ball and a breakout season from Miles Bridges, Charlotte’s offense has been as efficient as it has been explosive, accumulating 114.4 points per game. A mark that ranks second in the league behind only the Utah Jazz.

NBA Trades: As the 2022 NBA trade deadline approaches, the Charlotte Hornets should bolster the team’s dreadful defense by trading for Myles Turner

However, it’s been the exact opposite on the defensive end. Despite dominating teams offensively, the Hornets are allowing 114.6 points per game on the other side of the ball, which ranks a whopping 29th across the NBA.

If the Charlotte Hornets can acquire Myles Turner before the deadline, it would immediately bolster their defense as they compete for playoff seeding and attempt to make postseason runs this season and beyond.

The Hornets average 5.1 blocks per game, and Myles Turner averages more than half of that. He leads the league with 2.8 blocks per contest. In addition, the big man averages 12.9 points, 7.1 rebounds, and 0.7 steals per game while shooting 50.9 percent from the floor.

Turner is an excellent rim protector and defensive anchor that has been rumored to be on the trade market for a while now, and Charlotte is among the teams that have reportedly been interested in the 25-year-old. With the Indiana Pacers expected to go in the direction of a slim rebuild this year, it’s likely that he’ll be offloaded ahead of the deadline.