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The Charlotte Hornets and Cleveland Cavaliers completed a trade Monday that sent Chris Andersen and cash to the Hornets in exchange for a highly protected second-round pick that the Cavs are unlikely to receive.
The Hornets are expected to waive Andersen, meaning this “trade” was just a way for the Hornets to get some cash and the Cavs to free up a roster spot and lessen their luxury tax penalty.
The Cavaliers themselves first reported the trade. ESPN’s Marc Stein clarified the details.
The Cavs' trade sending Chris Andersen to Charlotte only costs 'em cash; Charlotte sends a heavily protected second-rounder to seal the deal
— Marc Stein (@ESPNSteinLine) February 13, 2017
So, what did the Hornets want with cash?
It’s hard to say. Perhaps they want to lessen their own tax hit — they’re roughly $6 million over the cap — or maybe they needed some cash to help facilitate a future move.
It’s also entirely possible that owner Michael Jordan just wanted some spending money. Who knows. What we do know is that the Hornets made this move with the intent of waiving Andersen.
The @Hornets are trading for --and immediately waiving -- Chris Anderson. Hornets getting $ to help Cavs relieve luxury tax bill.
— Rick Bonnell (@rick_bonnell) February 13, 2017
Let’s hope it’s that the Hornets needed cash for a future move. The Hornets are 5-16 since New Year’s Eve and show no signs of getting back to their winning ways. The team is a mess and it’s clear things need to change.
They could especially use a backup point guard and some help off the bench.
We’ll see what they decide to do. For now, the Hornets are sitting on some cash and good will from the Cavs.