Better days appear to be on the horizon for the Charlotte Hornets after acquiring Montrezl Harrell from the Washington Wizards in exchange for Ish Smith, Vernon Carey and a future second-round pick.

Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports reported the trade, one that will somehow address the big man needs of the Hornets.

Before the deal was announced, Charlotte was struggling in the middle and solely relying on Mason Plumlee at center.

The arrival of Harrell is undoubtedly a huge upgrade although questions are still up in the air on how well the 2020 NBA Sixth Man of the Year awardee can help the defensive end.

But with guys like LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier in the mix, the offensive sets of head coach James Borrego should be something to watch.

Regardless, there is no question that Harrell could be a vital part if he maintains his level of play. Also, the 28-year-old could jack up those numbers with most forecasting him to be the new top guy upfront for the Charlotte franchise.

As for the Wizards, the move allows them to reunite with Smith and get a big man in Carey. Both are not expected to play huge roles for Washington although that is subject to change.

Despite the exit of Harrell, the Wizards plugged their frontline needs after acquiring Kristaps Porzingis from the Dallas Mavericks.

kristaps-porzingis
Kristaps Porzingis of the New York Knicks is welcomed back after tearing his ACL previously in the season prior to taking on the Dallas Mavericks during their game at Madison Square Garden on March 13, 2018 in New York City. Getty Images/Abbie Parr

The Mavs sent the Latvian center to Washington alongside a future second-round pick in exchange for Spence Dinwiddie and Davis Bertans, Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported.

Some view the deal as a bit odd considering the Mavs inherit two maligned contracts. Also, Porzingis has been performing well this season for Dallas despite the continued criticism on his game.

Dinwiddie and Bertans have also not been performing well for the Wizards. But both could rediscover their games with a new system in Dallas under the watch of head coach Jason Kidd.

 Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 and Montrezl Harrell #6 celebrate with Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope #1 and Montrezl Harrell #6 celebrate with Kyle Kuzma #33 of the Washington Wizards Getty Images | Jason Miller

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