The Charlotte Hornets are acquiring guard Courtney Lee from the Memphis Grizzlies, who are getting center Chris Andersen from the Miami Heat, as part of a three-team, four-player trade, league sources told The Vertical.
The Hornets are sending point guard Brian Roberts to the Heat and swingman P.J. Hairston to the Grizzlies, who are also receiving a pair of second-rounds picks each from both the Heat and Hornets.
One of the Heat’s second-round picks going to Memphis is heavily protected. The deal also is a significant cost-saving move for Miami.
Lee, 30, has averaged 9.7 points, 2.6 rebounds and 1.5 assists in eight seasons with Orlando, New Jersey, Houston, Boston and Memphis. He'll provide some perimeter help for the Hornets, who are 27-26 and in contention for the East's final playoff spot.
Charlotte coach Steve Clifford plans to start Lee at shooting guard, league sources told The Vertical.
Injuries played a significant role in the deal as the Hornets lost swingman Michael Kidd-Gilchrist to another shoulder injury that requires surgery, the Grizzlies lost center Marc Gasol to a broken foot, and the Heat are without point guard Tyler Johnson because of shoulder surgery.
Missing the playoffs costs the Grizzlies the lottery protection on a 2016 first-round pick, so making the playoffs this season is crucial. The Grizzlies are 31-22, fifth in the Western Conference. Andersen, known for defense for most of his 14-year career, provides frontcourt depth but has only played seven games for the Heat this season because of knee issues. Hairston is a second-year guard averaging six points in 19.5 minutes a game.
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