Utah Jazz: J-Notes staffers evaluate every NBA trade deadline deal
By Ryan Aston
Knicks trade Willy Hernangomez to Hornets
TO HORNETS: Willy Hernangomez. TO KNICKS: Johnny O’Bryant, 2020 second-round pick and 2021 second-round pick
Aston: I don’t get this one like….at all. Sure Hernangomez had been edged out of the Knicks’ rotation (thanks in large part to former Jazzman Enes Kanter) and his defensive effort has left something to be desired, but he’s young, has oodles of potential, New York had team control in his deal going forward and the big man is also a close friend of their franchise cornerstone in Kristaps Porzingis. You keep a guy like that or, at the very least, wait for a better deal than this.
Keeffer: It really felt like Willy Hernangomez was going to have a bigger role with the Knicks this season. He had a solid rookie season where he averaged 8.2 points and seven rebounds in only 18 minutes a game. This season, he has only been getting nine minutes a game, in just 26 total appearances. The Hornets don’t really need another big man though, so not sure what the motive was. Another great move for the Knicks though, as they were able to get two more picks, in exchange for a player they weren’t even playing.
Padmore: The Knicks appeared to have a high asking price for Willy Hernangomez, but all they ended up with was two future second round picks after waiving Johnny O’Bryant. Hernangomez is talented, so hopefully he gets the minutes he desires in Charlotte.
Thorpe: Hernangomez was a name that was briefly linked to some Jazz rumors. While it appeared that Hernangomez was being underutilized in New York, there is no guarantee that the Hornets will use him in a much greater capacity. Charlotte’s deepest position group is at center and Hernangomez isn’t a consistent enough shooter to warrant being played as a stretch big. The assets that Charlotte gave up to get him may be incentive enough to give him the role he’s been looking for.
Woodcox: I like Willy Hernangomez and, the logjam at the center position notwithstanding, if the Hornets can get the best out of him, he could be solid for them there. Nevertheless, I don’t know what Charlotte is doing giving up picks for a guy of his caliber. They’re stuck between tanking and wanting to compete but did nothing to accomplish either at the deadline. They’re in a bad spot in my mind.
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