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The window to make trades in the NBA will close in just 48 hours ahead of the annual NBA All-Star Event in North Carolina. The trade window normally closed on the Thursday after the All-Star Game, but it has been closed 10 days before the All-Star event since last year.
The Charlotte Hornets are currently battling for one of the final playoff spots in the Eastern Conference, and the team is likely to be active in the next 48 hours. The Hornets will be looking to add help for star man Kemba Walker, and this could result in a number of players leaving.
Therefore, as we enter the final hours of the trade market, here are three members of the Charlotte roster that could make way.
#3 Jeremy Lamb
Aside from Kemba Walker, Jeremy Lamb has been the Hornets best and most effective performer so far this season. Lamb is undoubtedly enjoying the best season of his career, as the 26-year-old is currently averaging 14.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
Nevertheless, with the Hornets desperate to keep hold of Walker, The Athletic has reported that Lamb could be used in trade discussions. Lamb will become a free agent this summer, and the guard is likely to be looking for a rise on his current $7 million deal. It is questionable if the Hornets will be able to match Lamb's salary demands, so a trade could be Charlotte's only option ahead of the deadline.
#2 Frank Kaminsky
Frank Kaminsky was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Hornets back in 2015, however, in his three and a half seasons with the team, the 25-year-old has started just 23 games in his career. Due to his lack of opportunities, Sporting News is reporting that the team will allow Kaminsky to leave.
Despite averaging just 11.3 minutes per game this season, Kaminsky has managed to average 5.5 points and 2.5 rebounds per game. While Kaminsky doesn't fit in with the Hornet's system, the Illinois native would be a great back up option for a number of contending teams around the league.
#1 Nicolas Batum
Nicolas Batum has started 52 games for the Hornets this season and is currently averaging 9.4 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game. Batum has been among the best performers in Charlotte this season, although Sporting News has reported that the Hornets will look to trade the Frenchman in order to reduce the team's bloated salary bill.
Reliable three-point shooters are in demand more than ever, and Batum is currently shooting a near career-high 40 percent from beyond the arc. Batum will also be an attractive prospect due to his ability to play at both small forward and shooting guard. Nevertheless, Batum's huge contract will be a stumbling block, and the Hornets may have to include another player in trade talks such as Lamb.
