The Hornets have a relatively cheap and productive backup point guard in Jeremy Lin, but even if it makes the playoffs, Charlotte is nothing more than first-round fodder for Cleveland or Toronto.

So why not parlay a luxury asset into a draft pick or young player by trading the 27-year-old Lin to a contender?

'Linsanity' Couldn't Handle Pressure Of New York, Los Angeles

Charlotte opted not to pull the trigger despite the fact that plenty of teams were looking for guard depth.

Denver traded Randy Foye to Oklahoma City on Thursday for two second-round picks and two expiring contracts. Lin makes about the same as Foye, but is younger, a better three-point shooter the last two seasons (something the Thunder covets) and a better defender.

Jeremy Lin Sends Kristaps Porzingis A Message

The Hornets have missed the playoffs nine of the last 11 seasons, so even being in the eighth spot in the East likely has ultra-competitive owner Michael Jordan in "win-now" mode. But Charlotte needs more pieces to compete with the big boys in the conference.

Turning an asset like Lin into a draft pick could've greatly helped that building process.

For more content, follow us on Twitter @SportsWN or LIKE US on Facebook