NBA Trade News 2013: Charlotte Bobcats Likely To Sign-and-Trade Gerald Henderson, Make Cap Room For Monta Ellis

The Charlotte Bobcats are reportedly looking for a trade partner for free-agent shooting guard Gerald Henderson in an effort to make enough cap room to sign Monta Ellis.

According to Yahoo Sports writer Adrian Wojnarowski, the Bobcats are exploring a sign-and-trade possibility for Henderson, who blossomed into a solid shooting guard last season.  

Henderson, who averaged 15.5 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game last season, is having a hard time negotiating for a desirable extension contract with the Bobcats.

The Bobcats already made a splash this summer by signing Al Jefferson to a three-year, 40.5 million deal, but the team has also expressed interest in adding Ellis to their lineup.

Ellis recently fired his longtime agent Jeff Fried for lack of efforts to give him a lucrative deal. Despite this development, Ellis remains one of the most explosive shooting guards in the league with the ability to produce at least 19 points and five dimes per game.

Coming off another miserable season (21-61), the Bobcats will become a playoff contender right away if they manage to sign Ellis this summer.

ESPN NBA insider Chris Broussard said the only way for the Bobcats to give Ellis a big paycheck is to pull off a sign-and-trade involving Henderson or trade some of their assets to create cap space.

"Charlotte, which already has made a big free-agent signing in acquiring Al Jefferson, is waiting on word from their shooting guard, Gerald Henderson. If they are able to retain Henderson, they'll move on from Ellis. If not, the Bobcats may try to move some players in order to create room to sign Ellis," said Broussard in his recent article.