The PJ Hairston experiment in Charlotte has officially run its course – as the Hornets have sent him and point guard Brian Roberts packing in a three-way trade with the Grizzlies and Heat to acquire shooting guard Courtney Lee.
In exchange for Lee, Memphis will get Hairston from Charlotte and Chris Andersen from Miami. The Heat will receive Brian Roberts in the deal.
Hornets GM, Rich Cho, says the team welcomes Lee’s defensive presence and shooting range to a squad that desperately needs it as they make a push for the playoffs,
“We are excited to be adding a quality veteran wing player to our roster in Courtney Lee,” Cho said. “Courtney has proven to be a team defender, a consistent outside shooter and a solid scorer in our league for the past eight years. Particularly in terms of experience, he adds depth to our roster in a position of need for us and we expect him to fit in to our system and contribute right away.”
Hairston, who’s time with the Hornets was marred by off-court issues and inconsistent shooting, thanked fans for all of their support on Twitter after the trade was officially announced.
Thanks Buzz City for all your support! Being from NC, it meant a lot to me. Next stop, Memphis! @memgrizz
— PJ Hairston (@hairston_pj) February 17, 2016
News of the deal came after it was announced that forward Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will miss the rest of the season, after tearing the labrum in his right shoulder.
Sources: After suffering another torn labrum, Charlotte's Michael Kidd-Gilchrist will undergo shoulder surgery. He will miss rest of season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojVerticalNBA) February 16, 2016
This comes as tough news to the Hornets as Gilchrist, who was averaging 12.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, made a miraculous comeback after having surgery on the same shoulder in October.
The Hornets are currently in 8th place in the Eastern Conference with the Detroit Pistons only one game behind them.