Fansided

Nets acquire Dwight Howard from Hornets with eyes on 2019

By Baasil Ebrahim

NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets works toward the basket against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - MARCH 21: Dwight Howard #12 of the Charlotte Hornets works toward the basket against Jarrett Allen #31 of the Brooklyn Nets in the second quarter during their game at Barclays Center on March 21, 2018 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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The Hornets have traded Dwight Howard to the Nets in exchange for Timofey Mozgov and two second round draft picks.

Adrian Wojnarowski has reported a trade between the Nets and Hornets. The Hornets are sending Dwight Howard’s expiring contract to the Nets, but taking back Timofey Mozgov’s expensive deal over the next two years. The Nets were able to get the Hornets to agree to it by sending them two second-round draft picks and cash.

This trade will allow the Hornets to get more solid, young pieces in the draft as they look to win with Kemba Walker. For the Nets, they are looking to turn things around with their young pieces. As D’Angelo Russell and Spencer Dinwiddie progress, the Nets want to bring in stars. By losing Mogov’s contract, they now have the space for two max contracts in the 2019-20 season.

Karl Anthony-Towns, and Klay Thompson will both be free agents that offseason. It seems as though 2019-20 is the current target for the Nets.

In the meantime, the teams are swapping like for like. The Hornets get Mozgov, who hasn’t played more than 55 games since the 2015-16 season, just averaging 11.6 minutes per game last year. The Hornets may simply keep him stashed if he is unable to contribute. However, they are more focused on their second-round draft picks. They would like to turn those two into players who will be able to contribute for them this year as they look to get to the playoffs.

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Meanwhile, the Nets get Dwight Howard who has remained productive. The eight-time All-Star still averaged 12+ rebounds and 16+ points per game last year. He can come in and help the team win right now. At the same time, his experience allows him to be in a position to mentor Jarrett Allen who is coming off of a fine rookie season.

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