Five players who made the playoffs the Charlotte Hornets should target this summer
By Carlos Smith
There are some big-name players set to be free agents this summer and the Charlotte Hornets could use one to shake things up.
A number of marquee players will become free agents once the NBA season is over. The Charlotte Hornets will have a chance to target some key players who can help bring the team back into the playoff picture next season. Even with limited cap space, the front office could trade a number of players like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Miles Plumlee and Marvin Williams/Cody Zeller to create around $25+ million in cap space.
Every offseason is another chance to teams to improve their team and compete for a championship. The Hornets have that opportunity to right the ship and get going in the right direction. Even though they may not have the most salary cap space there are some moves the Hornets should consider. Here are five players that should be on the Hornets radar.
5. Stephen Curry
The reigning MVP is expecting to have a mega payday once the season comes to a close. Although it would be a nice homecoming if Curry returned home this seems like it may be a tough deal to pull off. With everything the Warriors have built and the chemistry of the team, it’s hard to imagine Steph walking away from what they’ve built.
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If they could find a way to reel him in they would have to figure out what to do with their star player Kemba Walker who is coming off a career year. Steph Averaged just over 25 points per game along with six assists. The back to back MVP is an unrestricted free agent so he controls his own destiny.
4. Paul George
Paul George would be another great pickup for the Hornets. A guy that can play multiple positions on the court and help add some offensive firepower to the roster. The problem with going after George is that he appears to be focused on joining one team and one team only. According to Sam Amick of USA Today, Paul George is hell-bent on joining the Lakers.
George still has one year remaining on his contract, you would expect the Pacers to trade him rather than lose him for nothing. If the Hornets are okay with possibly renting him for one year to see if they can sway him to stay in Charlotte this would be a good move for them. With Larry Bird stepping down as team President the writing on the wall may be more evident of what’s to come.
3. Serge Ibaka
Adding another big man who can help stretch the floor would be an added bonus for the Hornets. Ibaka would also help bring a presence on defense and be a much-needed rim protector. Although he wouldn’t help solve all of the team’s issues he would absolutely help get the team get back into playoff contention.
On the season the Power Forward averaged 14.8 points per game 6.8 rebounds per game and 1.6 blocks per game. Ibaka will be an unrestricted free agent so expect many teams to vie for the more than serviceable big man.
2. Tim Hardaway Jr.
Tim Hardaway Jr. is coming off his best season yet as a pro. Averaging 14.5 points per game it appears his game is ascending. He may not be the most talked about player, but he could step right in and contribute. Maybe the Hornets could use their MLE to sign him.
The Hornets have struggled to get production on the perimeter and Hardaway could help make life easier. His ability to put the ball on the floor would help create shots for the rest of the team. According to HoopsHype Hardaway Jr. is a restricted free agent so the Hawks have the option to match whatever offer that any team puts on the table.
1. Gordon Hayward
One of the more underrated players in the NBA in Hayward would be a big upgrade for the Hornets. If they could find a way to get from some of the contracts of players on their current roster it would be fun to watch him with Kemba Walker. Hayward is another guy who can play multiple positions and put the ball on the floor. On the season he averaged 21.9 points per game 5.4 rebounds per game and 3.5 assists per game.
The Hornet struck a deal with Hayward a few seasons ago, but the Jazz matched the offer sheet to keep him in Utah. Hayward has a player option so it’s likely he will opt out and look for a major payday. Building around Hayward along with Batum, and Walker doesn’t sound bad at all. The only issue is money and how much the Hornets will have to work with.