Report: Hornets already seeking Walker replacement through trade

Clinging to recently-acquired life as the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference, the Charlotte Hornets aren't going to sit idly by while Kemba Walker recovers.

The team announced Monday that Walker will undergo surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, an injury that could reportedly keep him out for six weeks. Having already fought through injuries to Lance Stephenson and Al Jefferson, the Hornets apparently realize they don't possess the point guard depth to do the same this time around.

The Hornets are already getting active in searching for help, with Ramon Sessions and Norris Cole on their radar, according to a report from Adrian Wojnarowski of Yahoo Sports.

The Sacramento Kings have been rumored to want to move Sessions at several points this season, and as a former Charlotte Bobcat, he'd be a reasonable fit. In 27 games, the drive-happy Sessions is averaging 5.7 points and 2.6 assists in a reserve role, but a season ago he averaged 12.3 points and 4.1 assists with slightly above-average offensive efficiency.

The hesitation for the Hornets with Sessions could be the $2.2 million owed to him for next season, an amount that's not exactly onerous but could limit their offseason flexibility some.

Cole could be superfluous for the Miami Heat, even if they'd be hesitant to deal to a team they're fighting for a playoff spot with. Cole is averaging 6.2 points and 3.4 assists in 24.4 minutes for Miami but he's been largely inefficient and the team also has Mario Chalmers and Shabazz Napier on the roster. Cole is a restricted free agent this offseason.

Until they find a replacement, the Hornets will ride the reliable but unspectacular Brian Roberts and possibly play Lance Stephenson out of position. They also have Jannero Pargo, but he's out indefinitely with a back issue.