Jeremy Lamb, who is on a very reasonable $7.5MM expiring contract, is having the best year of his career so far, averaging 15.4 PPG and 5.7 RPG with a .445/.356/.864 shooting line. While his play and his contract situation could make him an intriguing trade chip, Rick Bonnell of The Charlotte Observer says a deal is unlikely as long as the Hornets remain in position to make the playoffs. It’s possible that equation could change if Charlotte plays poorly in January, but for now Lamb is an important contributor on a club in position to make the postseason.
Here’s more from around the Southeast:
- Even with an underwhelming 14-19 record, the Magic remain in the playoff hunt in the East, two games back of the No. 7 seed. However, a thin bench is hurting the club, according to Josh Robbins of The Athletic, who notes that offseason acquisitions like Jerian Grant and Isaiah Briscoe have struggled to make an impact for the second unit.
- Magic sharpshooter Terrence Ross has received a $25K fine from the NBA for throwing the game ball into the stands, the league announced today in a press release. The incident occurred at the end of Orlando’s overtime loss to Phoenix on Wednesday.
- Since signing a one-year, minimum-salary contract with the Wizards in the offseason, Jeff Green has proven his worth, emerging as one of the club’s most reliable rotation players. Ben Standig of NBC Sports Washington takes a closer look at Green, who may be a key factor if Washington hopes to make a run at a playoff spot.