NBA Trade News: NY Knicks Send Willy Hernangomez To Hornets Before Deadline

The New York Knicks have made a deal before Thursday's looming trade deadline, sending center Willy Hernangomez to the Charlotte Hornets, according to reports.

The Knicks agreed to trade Hernangomez to the Hornets for center Johnny O’Bryant and two second-round draft picks, Yahoo Sports reported Wednesday. The picks are for years 2020 and 2021. O’Bryant, a 24-year-old forward, has averaged 4.8 points over 34 games on 39 percent shooting from the field for Charlotte this season.

The deal comes amid conversations between the Knicks and Henangomez, who had expressed concern over lack of playing time. His representatives requested a trade from the team with intentions of landing somewhere the young center could improve. The 23-year-old sat inactive for 29 of the team’s 55 games this season, averaging 4.4 points and 2.6 rebounds.

"All I can say is that I want to be somewhere where I can have minutes, where I can play and where I can keep developing," Hernangomez told reporters Tuesday. "To be able to do that in New York would be amazing, everybody knows I love the city, I love the fans. I love playing with KP. But right now it’s not happening. So the only thing I really want is to find the best way for my future before Thursday."

The 6-foot-11 center averaged 8.2 points, seven rebounds, 1.3 assists in 72 games last season, garnering a selection to the All-Rookie first team, according to ESPN.

Meanwhile, Hernangomez’s close friend, Kristaps Porzingis, tore his ACL during the Knicks loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday. Porzingis injured his left knee on Giannis Antetokounmpo’s foot after a dunk attempt.

"This is so hard....you are my best friend. We have been together almost every day for five years. But, I know you will be back stronger and better than ever!!! I love you bro!," Hernangomez tweeted.