Feb 7, 2022; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Wizards center Montrezl Harrell (6) is assessed a technical foul after arguing a call against the Miami Heat during the fourth quarter at Capital One Arena. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
The Charlotte Hornets acquired big man Montrezl Harrell from the Washington Wizards on Thursday in exchange for guard Ish Smith and center Vernon Carey Jr.
Washington also received a 2023 second-round draft pick that is top-45 protected. The selection originally belonged to the Boston Celtics.
Harrell is on an expiring contract and brings inside punch to a Hornets team that sits at 28-28, currently the ninth seed in the Eastern Conference.
Harrell, 28, is averaging 14.1 points and 6.7 rebounds in 46 games (three starts) this season, his first in D.C. He was the 2019-20 Sixth Man of the Year.
Smith, 33, is averaging 4.5 points and 2.6 assists in 37 games (one start) for the Hornets. He was in his first season in Charlotte after spending two years with the Wizards from 2019-21.
Carey, 20, has appeared in just four games (one start) this season, averaging 2.0 points per game.
“Ish returns to us as a respected veteran leader who can guide our young players as we continue to compete over the stretch run of the season,” Wizards general manager Tommy Sheppard said in a statement. “Vernon is a talented young player who can build on his brief but promising NBA experience while continuing to develop within our system.”