The Hornets recently revealed that backup center, Chris Kaman is on the trade block. Kaman, not even 30 years of age, has had a disappointing season so far after being acquired in a trade for Chris Paul in December.
17 games through this shortened season, he is averaging seven points and five rebounds. The Hornets weren't expecting all-star caliber numbers, but that stat line is far below their expectations. Kaman is in a contract year, due to make 14 million this season, and there is no reason why the Hornets would want to keep him around and have him leave this upcoming summer. Now the contenders and the teams that are on the bubble will be trying to acquire Kaman for a late season playoff run. Now how do the Warriors fit into this?
Kaman is a very solid defender in the post, something the Warriors are in desperate need of. He is averaging nearly two blocks per game, pointing out that he defends the rim well too. He would automatically become the Warriors starting center, and receive at least 30 minutes per game. New Orleans never really gave him those types of minutes, which is part of the reason why his stats are down.
On the offensive side of the ball, Kaman is very consistent. His best year came back in 2010 when he averaged 19 points for the Clippers. So he has shown that he can score the ball, but that is not what the Warriors are looking for. They don't need another player that demands the ball like Monta and Curry do. Offensively, they need someone who can consistently knock down open shots when the guards penetrate, find the open spots on the floor so Monta has someone to dish the ball off to when he gets stuck in the lane, and someone who will get on the offensive boards, as well as the defensive boards. Kaman does those three things very well, and more importantly, he does them consistently. We see flashes of these things in Ekpe Udoh, but the only difference is that he doesn't do them consistently.
Now, what would it take to acquire Kaman? Obviously the Hornets won't be asking for much, considering that Kaman is a free agent after this season. Younger players would entice the Hornets, but I don't really think that giving up someone like Jermey Tyler or Klay Thompson is a good idea for what could be a rental. Now for the Warriors to land Kaman, the Hornets would have to pay some of his salary or give the Warriors some cash. My proposal is below.
Warriors Receive:
Chris Kaman
2nd round draft pick in 2012
Cash considerations
Hornets Receive:
Dorell Wright
This trade would give the Hornets some depth at the forward position, and would give the Warriors a consistent, defensive center. This would also allow them to move Brandon Rush into the starting lineup.
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