Tweet
Knicks trade Willy Hernangomez to Hornets, eye young players at deadline
The New York Knicks traded disgruntled center Willy Hernangomez to the Charlotte Hornets on Wednesday.
New York received forward Johnny O'Bryant and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021 from Charlotte in exchange for Hernangomez. Knicks general manager Scott Perry says that O'Bryant will be waived.
"We thank Willy for all of his contributions to the New York Knicks organization and wish him the best moving forward," general manager Scott Perry said in a news release. "This trade adds valuable draft picks, better positioning this team as we build toward the future."
Hernangomez, 23, had been unhappy with his role in New York, where he averaged 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 9 minutes per game this season. He played twice as many minutes per game last season, when he averaged 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds and was an All-Rookie selection.
O'Bryant, 24, is a 6-foot-9 power forward who is averaging 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.5 minutes per game. Whereas Hernangomez is under contract through 2019-20, O'Bryant's deal is done after this season.
The Bucks drafted O'Bryant in the second round in 2014. Milwaukee waived him in 2016, and he signed with the Wizards, who waived him a month later. He signed a 10-day contract with Denver last season, and then two 10-days with Charlotte before getting a multiyear deal.
Hernangomez's representatives had been telling the Knicks for much of the season that they were unhappy with his role. More recently, they requested that New York send Hernangomez to a team where he'd have a better chance to play and develop. Hernangomez is one of Porzingis' closest friends and predicted Tuesday that Porzingis would be pleased if Hernangomez were sent to another team.
"He wants the best for me. He really wants to see me play," Hernangomez said. "Whatever happens, he will agree with that."
New York received forward Johnny O'Bryant and second-round draft picks in 2020 and 2021 from Charlotte in exchange for Hernangomez. Knicks general manager Scott Perry says that O'Bryant will be waived.
"We thank Willy for all of his contributions to the New York Knicks organization and wish him the best moving forward," general manager Scott Perry said in a news release. "This trade adds valuable draft picks, better positioning this team as we build toward the future."
Hernangomez, 23, had been unhappy with his role in New York, where he averaged 4.2 points and 2.6 rebounds in 9 minutes per game this season. He played twice as many minutes per game last season, when he averaged 8.2 points and 7.0 rebounds and was an All-Rookie selection.
O'Bryant, 24, is a 6-foot-9 power forward who is averaging 4.8 points and 2.6 rebounds in 10.5 minutes per game. Whereas Hernangomez is under contract through 2019-20, O'Bryant's deal is done after this season.
The Bucks drafted O'Bryant in the second round in 2014. Milwaukee waived him in 2016, and he signed with the Wizards, who waived him a month later. He signed a 10-day contract with Denver last season, and then two 10-days with Charlotte before getting a multiyear deal.
Hernangomez's representatives had been telling the Knicks for much of the season that they were unhappy with his role. More recently, they requested that New York send Hernangomez to a team where he'd have a better chance to play and develop. Hernangomez is one of Porzingis' closest friends and predicted Tuesday that Porzingis would be pleased if Hernangomez were sent to another team.
"He wants the best for me. He really wants to see me play," Hernangomez said. "Whatever happens, he will agree with that."