Hornets acquire Dwight Howard for Belinelli and Plumlee

By Anthony Caruso III | Publisher 

The Atlanta Hawks have traded center Dwight Howard to the Charlotte Hornets. The Hornets also received a 2017 second round draft pick in the deal. 

In exchange, the Hawks received Marco Belinelli and Miles Plumlee. The team also received a 2017 second round draft pick. 

“It is extremely important for our organization that we maintain our flexibility, and this trade helps us achieve that critical goal,” Hawks general manager Travis Schlenk said in a statement released by the team. “We appreciate the contributions that Dwight made on the court and in the greater Atlanta community this past season.”

Howard spent one season with his hometown Hawks. The 31-year-old made 74 starts for the team. 

He averaged 13.5 points per game for the team in 29.7 minutes per game. He also averaged 12.7 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 0.9 steals, and 1.2 blocks per game. 

Belinelli, who is a swingman, appeared in 74 games in his first season with the Hornets. He did not start a single game. 

He averaged 10.5 points per game off the bench. He also averaged 2.4 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 0.6 steals, and 0.1 blocks per game. 

Plumlee, who is a center, appeared in 13 games with the Hornets. He did not start a game. 

He averaged 2.4 points per game. Plumlee also had 3.2 rebounds, 0.2 assists, 0.5 steals, and 0.3 blocks per game. 

“He has been a very talented player, an elite rebounder and rim protector as well as a physical presence since the moment he entered the league,” Hornets GM Rich Cho said in a statement.