Wed, Feb 7, 2018 at 4:24pm

HORNETS STEAL HERNANGOMEZ FROM KNICKS

The Charlotte Hornets acquired center/forward Willy Hernangomez from the New York Knicks for center/forward Johnny O'Bryant, a second-round draft pick in 2020 and a second-round draft pick in 2021.

What does it give the Charlotte Hornets
The Hornets should feel like they're getting away with something here, because they probably are. Hernangomez has the goods to eventually be Charlotte's starting center, and he might even become a star (if he plays like he did for stretches last season). Giving up two future second-round picks and the little-used O'Bryant is a true bargain in return for a player as promising as Hernangomez, so kudos to Hornets GM Rich Cho for taking advantage of New York's difficult situation.

What does it give the New York Knicks
It's hard to like how the Knicks have handled Hernangomez this season. As a rookie last season he was excellent, garnering NBA All-Rookie First Team honors and looking like he can be an above-average starting center eventually. This season he's been all but ignored by the organization, so much so he asked for a trade (which is granted here). Quality centers don't grow on trees, so this is a head-scratcher. Meanwhile O'Bryant is a player who has struggled to find a significant NBA role over four seasons and three different teams. Even worse, Hernangomez is a good friend of Knicks cornerstone Kristaps Porzingis, so this is a tough move for New York all-round.

Fantasy impact
Moving Hernangomez has little to no fantasy impact on the remaining Knicks players, because Hernangomez was barely playing (and replacement O'Bryant doesn't look likely to see much time on the court either). On the Charlotte side of things, however, it's more interesting. Hernangomez is a quality young center / power forward who can compete for minutes in his new team's big man rotation. That said, don't expect too much right away; he still must battle more-established regulars for minutes (including Dwight Howard, Frank Kaminsky, and Cody Zeller). Do, however, consider stashing Hernangomez on your bench in keeper, dynasty, and super-deep single-season fantasy leagues.