Cavaliers Trade Veteran Chris Andersen To Hornets For 2017 Second-Round Draft Pick

Just 10 days before the NBA trade deadline, the reigning champion Cleveland Cavaliers continued bolstering their roster on Monday by dealing veteran Chris “Birdman” Andersen to the Charlotte Hornets for a 2017 second-round draft pick.

Cavs Trade Chris Andersen to Hornets For Second-Round Pick

The move clears up a roster spot for the Cavs, who are seeking to add a ball-handler to their rotation. According to ESPN, the second-round pick the Hornets are giving up is top-55 protected.

Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer summed up the reason for which the Hornets agreed to the trade:

Andersen, 38, suffered a season-ending right ACL tear in December. The big-man played in 12 games this season, averaging 2.3 points and 2.6 rebounds. He signed for a guaranteed $1.55 million salary last summer.

The Cavaliers, (37-16) who are first in the Eastern Conference, also signed forward Derrick Williams to a 10-day contract last Thursday. Williams has been so impressive that LeBron James has advocated for keeping him “long term.”

Charlotte, meanwhile, signed center Mike Tobey to a second 10-day contract.

The Hornets will likely net several hundred thousand dollars in the deal, according to ESPN.

Rumors recently began circulating that James was pushing for the Cavs to trade Kevin Love for the New York Knicks’ Carmelo Anthony, but James quickly shut down those rumors, calling them absurd. The rumors stemmed from a New York Daily News report.

DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 29: Chris Andersen #7 of the Memphis Grizzlies grabs a rebound against the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 29, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. The Grizzlies defeated the Nuggets 103-96.