Heading into the NBA All Star break, the player movement has somewhat begun.
And kicking off things in what is expected to be a busy player transfer weekend was the Charlotte Hornets.
The Hornets acquired the services of Mo Williams and Troy Daniels from the Minnesota Timberwolves in exchange for Gary Neal, the Miami Heat's 2019 second-round draft pick along with some cash considerations.
Aside from that transaction, the Hornets also released Elliot Williams and kept their 15-man roster intact.
At 22-29, the Hornets are tied in the Eastern Conference with the Miami Heat. With Williams' acquisition, the Hornets are hopeful that the 12 year NBA veteran can help the team's cause, especially with regular starter Kemba Walker who is still recuperating from knee surgery.
His arrival also brings a bonafide point guard to handle the backcourt chores, something that was temporarily filled up by Brian Roberts since Walker's injury. Unfortunately Roberts has not proven to be as effective as the Hornets had hoped for so a lot hinges on the shoulders of Williams. But all that would have to wait since Williams is doubtful to arrive in time for their game against the Detroit Pistons.
For the Timberwolves, it was apparent that agreeing to part with Williams was part of the team's future plans. With a young crew led by top draft pick Andrew Wiggins, Williams was apparently the odd man out of those plans.
Aside from Williams, the Hornets also get a promising player in Troy Daniels. Daniels, who is only in his second year in the NBA, also had a stint with the Houston Rockets before landing with the Timberwolves.
Williams will bring his outside shooting to Charlotte and is someone that general manager Rich Cho considered who would easily blend in with coach Steve Clifford's system.
