Bobcats Trade Hakim Warrick to Magic for Josh McRoberts

As the NBA trade deadline reached its final minutes, the Charlotte Bobcats struck a deal with the Orlando Magic.

According to Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer, the 'Cats have sent forward Hakim Warrick to the Magic for Josh McRoberts.

Warrick was averaging 6.9 points and 3.2 rebounds per contest in 28 games with Charlotte this season, and was set to earn $4 million in 2013, plus a team option for an equal amount next season. The trade allows the Bobcats to take on a cheaper option in McRoberts, who is set to earn just $3.1 million this season. 

In Orlando, McRoberts was averaging just 3.9 points and 3.3 boards in 41 games off the bench since being sent to the Magic last summer in the Dwight Howard trade.

It's clear that the Bobcats' front office made this trade for financial reasons, not to mention to cut some dead weight in Warrick. The only part that doesn't really make sense is them sending him to a divisional rival in Orlando.

Granted, both Orlando and Charlotte are near the bottom of the NBA barrel, but it is indeed rare to see teams do this type of business within the division. Were the Magic not in need of help both on defense and at power forward, this conversation probably wouldn't be happening right now.

But the fact of the matter is that the Bobcats basically just gave the Magic an upgrade off the bench, albeit a small one. What if Warrick goes on to become a solid bench player for Orlando for the rest of the season?

Since McRoberts isn't likely to make a strong impact in Charlotte, that possibility must be considered. Still, from a financial standpoint alone, the Bobcats made a solid trade and did a good job of saving some money.