The Blazers are trading Nicolas Batum to the Hornets for Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson, according to Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo! Sports.
The deal is reportedly being finalized Wednesday night. For the Blazers, the idea is to get a 19-year-old with upside and also a fill-in for Arron Afflalo in the lineup (who is opting out of his deal). Batum averaged 9.4 points, 5.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game in 2014-15.
Perhaps the most interesting note in Woj’s report is that Michael Jordan and the Hornets are intrigued by the possibility of drafting Frank Kaminsky at No. 9 overall. The story:
The Portland Trail Blazers are finalizing a deal to send forward Nic Batum to the Charlotte Hornets for Noah Vonleh and Gerald Henderson, league sources told Yahoo Sports.
…
Despite the impending free agency of All-Star forward LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland didn’t make the trade as a first step in rebuilding, league sources told Yahoo Sports. Aldridge was aware of the deal, sources said. The trade gives Portland greater financial flexibility and an intriuging young talent in Vonleh.
…
Charlotte was reluctant to part with Vonleh, a 6-foot-10 forward with immense potential. Charlotte had been discussing possible deals involving starting forward Cody Zeller, but ultimately decided to part with Vonleh.
Batum has one year left on his contract, and Charlotte would own his Bird Rights with the inside track on re-signing him to an extension next year.
Charlotte has been intrigued with Wisconsin’s Frank Kaminsky with the No. 9 overall pick, league sources said. Kaminsky hasn’t worked out for the Hornets, but league sources believe that owner Michael Jordan has great interest in him. Charlotte also is looking hard at Arizona’s Stanley Johnson and Kentucky’s Devin Booker at No. 9.
