NBA Trade Deadline 2023 – What Will the Charlotte Hornets Do?
With the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaching, leaders of 30 franchises are busy making the necessary moves by February 9th. Of course, every team’s situation is different, and that’s why we wanted to create a specific deadline document with the franchise. Presentation issues, issues to watch, intentions in the transfer market… we tell you everything. Today, the Charlotte Hornets are on the menu
Hornets, more buyers or sellers at the deadline?
If there’s one team that’s likely to trade a lot of players at the upcoming NBA Trade Deadline, it’s Charlotte.
Indeed, the current state of the Hornets suggests that the North Carolina franchise will be among the top sellers over the next three weeks. We are talking about a team that finished second to last in the Eastern Conference with a poor record of 12 wins to 34 losses. A team with players that could interest aspiring franchises (more on that below), and one that is set to rebuild around bullpen LaMelo Ball, who is currently out with an ankle injury.
Of course, in the midst of all this, it is impossible not to highlight the Victor Vembanyama factor. The “greatest prospect in history” is coming to the next NBA Draft, so if there’s ever a season to make room for youngsters, this is it.
Transferable Hornets player(s).
Between now and February 9, there are a lot of people in the “players with a high chance of moving” category.
From Terry Rozier to Jalen McDaniels through Kelly Oubre Jr., Gordon Hayward, PJ Washington or even Mason Plumlee, the Hornets could offer a variety of profiles depending on the interest of the franchises they will be negotiating with.
- Terry Rozier: About 25 million per season under contract until 2026, averaging 21 points and 5 assists.
- Jalen McDaniels: A strong 2m06 winger who has gained attacking impact this season and can be of real service in defense thanks to his length and wingspan. Free agent next summer.
- Kelly Oubre Jr. : is currently out with a wrist injury, but is having his most productive season statistically (20 points, 5 rebounds, 1.6 steals). In the last year of the contract.
- Gordon Hayward: a talented, experienced and hyper-intelligent winger who can make any team more active. Problem: never plays. And when chaining injuries pay you 30 million per year (until 2024), it can be more than cool.
- PJ Washington: A versatile 24-year-old winger who averages more than 15 points, can shoot and defend from long range, this could pique people’s interest. A restricted free agent in 2023, but the Hornets are reportedly looking to extend him instead.
- Mason Plumlee: the guy with 2m13 in the racket, can always be used, but not as a starter. In the last year of the contract.
? Kelly Oubre and Mason Plumlee are the 2 most talked about players on the transfer right now.
Rozier and Hayward have been rumored, the Oubre deal has quieted several franchises, but Mitch Kupchak may finally be getting excited for this trade deadline. pic.twitter.com/y5zH7zGsos
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 10, 2023
Players coveted by the Hornets
When you’re going to activate tanking mode as Hornets, you don’t target specific players (except for Wemby next June, of course), you target first. draft picks (and expiring contracts if possible).
If the Charlotte franchise does indeed decide to bring back most of the aforementioned players, it will be with the goal of getting its rebuild off to a better start. Hornets general manager Mitch Kupchak will demand draft capital in any negotiation: first round unprotected, first round protected, second round… in short, he has a way of having fun.
You got it, it’s time to lay a whole new foundation around LaMelo Ball.
