NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Kaman Taken off Market by Hornets

After essentially removing Chris Kaman from their big-man rotation, the New Orleans Hornets decided to put the veteran center on the trade block.

But they haven't been able to find any serious takers, so, according to ESPN's Marc Stein, they are now removing him from the block.

Well, that was quick.

The Hornets put Kaman on the block a few weeks ago and have apparently already given up. This could be a rouse to get the best trade value, but it seems New Orleans has botched this whole situation. 

They are really having a lot of good luck with trades this season, that's for sure. 

But honestly, what in the world are they thinking? Let's break down the last month between New Orleans and Kaman.

Why remove him from the rotation?

Kaman is solid with his back to the basket—he rebounds the ball and he's going to protect the rim by blocking a lot shots. You can't teach size, and while he doesn't take full advantage of that size, don't remove him completely from the rotation.

At least bring him off the bench and give him 25 minutes per game. Are the Hornets really better off with Jason Smith and Gustavo Ayon?

I'll go ahead and answer that for you. No, they are not. 

Kaman is awesome

What's more, Kaman is awesome and he provides videos like this. Now, this has nothing to do with this whole situation, but I love any excuse to show that video. 

OK, back to business. 

Failure to excute a trade

Kaman clearly isn't less valuable than Smith and Ayon, but if he doesn't fit New Orleans' plans, and they want to trade him, then fine.

But don't dangle him out there and then decide, "Oh, nevermind we actually want to keep him" after two freaking weeks. Despite how he looks sometimes, Kaman is a real person and not a yeti. 

He's going to be upset by being taken out of the rotation and being put on the trade block. It's not like he's going to come back ready to give his 100 percent for the team that ditched him. Even yetis have feelings. 

So, the Hornets failed to get anything for Kaman in a trade, he's set to leave for free agency after this season, and he's unlikely to help them out of this 4-19 "funk" they are in.

Well played.