CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Charlotte Hornets are adding some depth to their backcourt.
In need a backup point guard, they intend to sign Isaiah Thomas to a 10-day contract, sources with direct knowledge of the situation told The Charlotte Observer. The move is expected to happen on Wednesday so the Hornets can maximize the length of the deal. They conclude a mini two-game road trip in Cleveland and barring something unforeseen he should be joining his new teammates then.
After dealing Ish Smith to Washington in the trade to acquire Montrezl Harrell, the Hornets have been thin at point guard. Terry Rozier has assumed the duties and bringing Thomas on board could potentially alleviate some of those tasks.
Thomas appeared in five games with Dallas earlier this season after inking a 10-day contract with the Mavericks. He averaged 8.6 points, two assists and 1.2 rebounds. The Hornets had an open roster spot after dealing Smith, along with Vernon Carey Jr., to the Wizards and were saving it to possibly add a veteran. Thomas apparently fits what they were looking for and should be excited to be together with Rozier again. The two were teammates in Boston.
While his arrival is going to do little to help alleviate some of the issues the Hornets are having lately, particularly on defense, Thomas can provide the Hornets with spot minutes and keep their guards from wearing down. The Hornets are struggling, having dropped 11 of their last 13 games, and have 19 games left. They head into Tuesday night’s action in 10th place in the Eastern Conference, holding a tenuous grip in the final play-in tournament spot and could use any boost they can get.
ESPN first reported the deal.
