Charlotte Added Lee for a More Immediate Wing Role
The Hornets acquired Courtney Lee in February 2016 through a transaction involving Memphis and Miami. Lee had established himself as a perimeter defender and capable shooter, skills Charlotte needed as it pursued a postseason berth. The team also received cash. Memphis obtained P.J. Hairston, Chris Andersen and second-round draft assets, while Miami received Brian Roberts. The deal brought together clubs with different needs, from immediate guard depth to future draft flexibility.
Lee Supplied Charlotte With Actual Rotation Minutes
Lee joined Charlotte's backcourt and provided an experienced presence without needing a large share of offensive possessions. His defensive versatility helped the team match up against opposing perimeter scorers, while his outside shooting was useful alongside the Hornets' established playmakers. He wasn't acquired as a franchise-leading scorer, and his earlier NBA production shouldn't be assigned to Charlotte before he arrived. The trade supplied a tangible short-term rotation fit even if the club didn't retain him for an extended tenure.
Memphis and Miami Took Different Packages
Memphis received Hairston, a young wing with an uncertain development path, and Andersen, a veteran center known for defensive energy and rebounding. Its incoming second-round rights in 2018 and 2019 provided other ways to build the roster. Miami accepted Roberts, a guard who could provide ball handling without implying a long-term starting role. These incoming assets had distinct purposes. Draft selections and players could be moved again, so every subsequent NBA season should be attributed to the correct receiving club.
The Close Grades Reflect Mixed Results
The inherited slight Grizzlies edge gives Memphis B for acquiring multiple player options and future selections. Miami also earns B for adding Roberts, while Charlotte's C+ recognizes Lee's useful but shorter wing tenure. The top grade doesn't mean every Memphis draft choice became a successful NBA player or that Charlotte received nothing important. Rather, the framework favors the breadth of Memphis's compensation while acknowledging that Lee gave Charlotte an immediate basketball benefit.
Final Verdict
Slight Grizzlies Edge. Memphis earns B for P.J. Hairston, Chris Andersen and two second-round assets, receiving several roster and draft choices. Miami also gets B for Brian Roberts as guard depth. Charlotte receives C+ for Courtney Lee's veteran defense and shooting plus cash. The inherited margin favors Memphis's broader package, although Lee provided the Hornets with direct rotation value.