Hornets Expected To Target Arron Afflalo and Jameer Nelson (Also News On McBob and Big Al)

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

The buzz around the soon-to-be-resurrected Hornets is that a dependable small forward will surely be their top target in free agency ... and MJ will again have money to spend, if he can find a willing taker. Or Charlotte could certainly opt for trades to fill its nagging holes at both small forward and backup point guard if it fears the usual chilly summer chasing players on the open market. The rumbles have already begun that two players Clifford is said to regard with real fondness after working with them in Orlando as an assistant -- swingman Arron Afflalo and backup point guard Jameer Nelson -- will be among the Bobcats' trade targets.

Arron Afflalo, 28, is due to earn $7.5 million next season and has a player option for 2015-16, also valued at $7.5 million.

Jameer Nelson, 32, is entering the final season of his contract at $8 million, but only $2 million of that is guaranteed if Nelson is waived by July 15. ESPN.com

Nelson will most likely be waived and headed to Charlotte as Kemba's backup, now I'm not 100% sure about Afflalo. My guess, is that if we get Detroit's pick at number nine, we will trade Portland's pick and Gary Neal to Orlando for Aaron Afflalo.

We could probably get Afflalo and Nelso for a combined $10 million leaving us with another $10 million in cap space to sign that small forward... maybe Luol Deng.

So how about this...

PG: Kemba Walker, Jameer Nelson (free agency), DeAndre Kane (draft)

SG: Arron Afflalo (trade), Gerald Henderson, Jeff Taylor

SF: Luol Deng (free agency), Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Chris Douglas-Roberts (free agency)

PF: Josh McRoberts, Cody Zeller, Aaron Gordon (draft)

C: Al Jefferson, Bismack Biyombo, Brendan Haywood

Not to shabby...

That could possibly be a top 5 team in the east in my opinion.

Other News

- Per Rick Bonnell, Josh McRoberts said that he wants to play in Charlotte for many years and is expected to opt in.

- Al Jefferson has been told no physical activity for two weeks, then two weeks of stationary bike only, then he should be good to go (out one month).

- The Bobcats made the first major free-agent signing in franchise history last July when center Al Jefferson accepted a three-season contract worth $13.5 million per season. Jefferson dramatically improved this team offensively. Now the coaches and front office hope the chance to play with Jefferson and point guard Kemba Walker will attract other talented players to Charlotte. “I would hope so,” Clifford said at his season-ending news conference. “Guys want to come to a nice place to live and where they have a chance to win. This is a step there. And guys know we have good guys.” Charlotte Observer

- Rick Bonnell: Rod Higgins says improving perimeter shooting is imperative.

[PantherBrew]

I think that sounds like a very solid team. I want to get a knock down shooter somewhere in the lineup, feel like we have to have someone like that to help kemba with drive and kicks and big al passing out of double teams. 

 

I would be a little nervous about Deng, depends on length of the contract. 

 

I think if McBob does opt in, then it would be perfect.  Because I really want to develop Cody, so I wouldn't like a 3 year deal with McBob.  But, one more year, while Cody develops would be great.  

 

If we did get the #9 pick, then we would have a pretty decent draft spot... one of the top guys could drop to us.  Marcus Smart could be there.  I think Doug McDermitt might be a option too.  Haven't seen much film on Aaron Gordon.  

[pantherfan49]

I thought mcbob had a player option, would exercise it, and then command real money on the FA market.

[pantherfan49]

Oh and I approve of the plan in the OP.

[carolina-chuck]

Does it mean that we're going after a SF, SG, and PG? or that Afflalo could be the SF we're going after?

Nelson would be a great backup for Kemba.

I'm just not sure if I would package Portland pick for Afflalo. That pick could still land us a very good player.

[carolina-chuck]

I think that sounds like a very solid team. I want to get a knock down shooter somewhere in the lineup, feel like we have to have someone like that to help kemba with drive and kicks and big al passing out of double teams.

I would be a little nervous about Deng, depends on length of the contract.

I think if McBob does opt in, then it would be perfect. Because I really want to develop Cody, so I wouldn't like a 3 year deal with McBob. But, one more year, while Cody develops would be great.

If we did get the #9 pick, then we would have a pretty decent draft spot... one of the top guys could drop to us. Marcus Smart could be there. I think Doug McDermitt might be a option too. Haven't seen much film on Aaron Gordon.

Smart could be a possibly at 9 if we did land Detroit pick.

Not sure about McDermott going that high in the draft.

Gordon played well this past season. Kid got some good defense.

[PantherBrew]

What do yall; think about Gary Harris... saw him being mocked at 8-10

[Proudiddy]

Yeah, this is worded weirdly... Are we planning on using Afflalo as a 2 or 3? IMO, our top priority is getting a starting 2 that can score, especially if we leave mkg as the starter at the 3. That being said, I'd also love to being back CDR on a reasonable deal as a nice backup plan.

[bLACKpANTHER]

if we got Afflalo and Nelson, i dont think we would also be able to pick up Deng- nor would I want to.

I like the idea of packaging Neal and the Portland pick for Afflalo, but dont think Orlando would do that at all.

 

the Portland pick and MKG might be what it takes for Orlando to pull the trigger..?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

I thought mcbob had a player option, would exercise it, and then command real money on the FA market.

The player option is a set standard of money. McBob's player option is at just under $3,000,000.

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

if we got Afflalo and Nelson, i dont think we would also be able to pick up Deng- nor would I want to.

I like the idea of packaging Neal and the Portland pick for Afflalo, but dont think Orlando would do that at all.

the Portland pick and MKG might be what it takes for Orlando to pull the trigger..?

With $30 mil to the luxury tax we most certainly could afford Deng.

We really need a two way small forward as a starter until MKG develops a shot.

Not being able to score with Miami really hurt us. This line-up has offense in Jefferson and Afflalo, versatility in McRoberts, a complete player in Deng, and a potential playmaker (when he has weapons) in Walker.

[Cary Kollins]

What has to happen for us to get Detroit's pick at nine?

[CarolinaPanthers8789]

What has to happen for us to get Detroit's pick at nine?

One of the teams behind Detroit jump up into the top three of the lotto (probably Los Angeles).

[CarolinaNCSU]

What has to happen for us to get Detroit's pick at nine?

 

As long as they don't land in the Top 8 of the lottery, it's ours.

 

Personally, I'd rather them keep the pick, suck next year, and us walk away with a Top 5 pick potentially.

 

 

As for Afflalo, would be a nice get for the Hornets.