The Charlotte Hornets’ most significant trade deadline day deal since Mitch Kupchak joined the organization in 2018 has officially been finalized, a move that sends center Montrezl Harrell to Buzz City and Ish Smith, Vernon Carey Jr. and a protected 2023 second-round pick back to the Washington Wizards.
With Harrell, the Hornets add a jolt of depth to their frontcourt rotation, an area that has struggled at times this season to finish, rebound and protect the rim. Harrell is averaging 14.1 points on the NBA’s fourth-best field-goal percentage (64.5%, which his best since 2016-17), 6.7 rebounds and a career-high 2.