Before free agency started, the Charlotte Hornets made the first unexpected move by trading away guard Marco Belinelli and center Miles Plumlee in exchange for Dwight Howard. This move came as a surprise and is now Howard’s 5th team heading into his 14th season.
Sources: Charlotte is sending Miles Plumlee, Marco Belenelli and 41st pick to Atlanta for Dwight Howard and 31st pick.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 21, 2017
Charlotte’s next move this off-season was the acquisition of guard Michael Carter-Williams on a one-year, $2.7 million deal according to Chris Haynes of ESPN. Carter-Williams will more than likely be the primary backup to Kemba Walker next season.
Michael Carter-Williams and Charlotte agree to one-year, $2.7 million deal, league sources tell ESPN.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 1, 2017
While both players seemed to be at bumps in the road in their careers, Walker believes both Howard and Carter-Williams can have a resurgence in Charlotte.
Following from Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.
“I just think our culture is where he needs to be. He needs guys like me around him. He needs Marvin (Williams) around him. He needs MKG (Michael Kidd-Gilchrist) around him, to show him what it takes to get better in this league, what it takes to win.
“Why wouldn’t you want a guy who was rookie of the year?
Specifically, Walker said Howard will bring rim protection the Hornets have long missed.
“He changes shots,” Walker said. “Just his presence in the paint will help a lot. We haven’t had anybody like him. I think he’ll get back to his old self.
