The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, breaks down the Charlotte Hornets’ situation as Thursday's trade deadline approaches.

HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT

Kemba Walker

One could argue that Walker, 25, should have earned All-Star honors. The heart and soul of the Hornets is having a career year while also pushing Charlotte toward a possible playoff berth in April.





Walker has one of the best contracts in the league for a starting point guard.

Nicolas Batum

Where would Charlotte be if it hadn’t traded for Batum?



Having his best all-around year since coming into the league, Batum has provided immense value for the Hornets. Although a free agent in the offseason, Charlotte has an advantage with full Bird rights and it can offer the most years. The Hornets’ young core is locked up for the near future, which should make Charlotte an extremely attractive place.

Michael Kidd-Gilchrist

Despite continuing shoulder problems, Kidd-Gilchrist has proven his value when he plays. Signed to a cap-friendly extension last summer, Kidd-Gilchrist’s ability to guard multiple positions as well as his improved offensive skills make him extremely valuable in the future.



WILL NOT GET EQUAL VALUE

The team shouldn’t dismiss an offer, but it will be hard to get equal value in return for Jeremy Lin, Cody Zeller and Frank Kaminsky.



Jeremy Lin is one of the league's best backup point guards. (Getty Images) More

Lin has proven to be one of the best backup point guards in the NBA. A $2.8 million salary makes the 27-year-old valuable.

Zeller and Kaminsky are still on their rookie contracts. With Charlotte controlling each contract for the near future, it would be hard to part ways with either player. They have had key roles during the season.

UP FOR DEBATE

Marvin Williams and Al Jefferson

The value of expiring contracts is not as appealing, especially with the majority of NBA teams having cap space next summer.





Unless a strong offer comes along to improve Charlotte now and in the future, the team shouldn’t be interested in moving Williams. The 29-year-old is a valuable starter for Charlotte and is having his best year since 2008. His ability to stretch the floor is a key asset.

Still recovering from knee surgery, Jefferson, 31, is in the last year of his contract. With a bunch of mileage on his legs, Jefferson’s value around the league is not as high because of the injury. A team would have him for only 20-plus games if it were to trade for him, making a deal less likely.

NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION

Nicolas Batum

Batum cannot be traded back to the Portland Trail Blazers this year.





Spencer Hawes

Hawes cannot be traded back to the Los Angeles Clippers this year.



Jeremy Lamb

Jeremy Lamb cannot be traded back to Oklahoma City this year.



The rookie extension for Jeremy Lamb falls under the “poison pill” category. For trade purposes, a team wishing to acquire Lamb would use a salary of $6 million plus the applicable traded players exception. This number factors in the average of the fourth year of his contract and the extension that was signed this year. Charlotte would only be allowed to acquire a salary of $3 million for Lamb, the value of his fourth year.

MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE

Kidd-Gilchrist’s injury before the break was a huge blow to Charlotte. The Hornets needed a replacement and acquired Courtney Lee in a three-team trade with the Memphis Grizzlies and Miami Heat. Charlotte sent P.J. Hairston and two second-round picks to Memphis and backup point guard Brian Roberts to the Heat.



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