Report: Hornets 'highly interested' in taking Wiseman at No. 3

The Charlotte Hornets hold the No. 3 pick in next month's NBA draft and appear to be narrowing down their choices.

Charlotte is "highly interested" in taking Memphis center James Wiseman with their first-round selection and would consider trading up in order to secure the big man's services, sources told Rick Bonnell of the Charlotte Observer.

The Minnesota Timberwolves are unlikely to take Wiseman at No. 1 with All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns already in the fold, but the Golden State Warriors are a possible destination with the following pick.

Georgia guard Anthony Edwards is the Hornets' backup plan if Wiseman is taken off the board, Bonnell reports.

Wiseman averaged 19.7 points, 10.7 boards, and three blocks during his brief three-game spell with Memphis last season. The NCAA suspended him in November for 12 games after it found that Tigers head coach Penny Hardaway gave him and his family $11,500 to assist their move to Memphis from Nashville.

A month later, the McDonald's All-American signed with an agent to officially end his collegiate career.

Seven-year veteran Cody Zeller is the only center under contract with the Hornets but is on an expiring deal. Wiseman would provide some much-needed depth as well as rim protection and rebounding.