Potential Moves For the Charlotte Hornets in Free Agency

By Joshua Powell | May 21, 2016

Apr 17, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Charlotte Hornets associate coach Steve Heizel (R) talks to Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (L) prior to their game against the Miami Heat in game one of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /

The Charlotte Hornets are in for a very busy summer as they will be looking to re-sign their own free agents while looking to make deals with some new talent going forward.

Well the Charlotte Hornets were eliminated by the Miami Heat in seven games in this year’s playoffs. The Hornets struggled shooting the ball uncharacteristically and it led to a first round elimination.

So, where will the front office look to help build a more consistent roster? Well free agency seems the best bet for the team as they are currently built. Let us break down what potential moves the Hornets will make in free agency this off-season.

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Resigning Players
In order to keep moving forward continuity is important. It is important that the team keeps Nicolas Batum and Jeremy Lin on the roster. However, Marvin Williams may be cut loose to allow more time for Frank Kaminsky. Allowing Williams to leave in free agency would free up some money for another signing. Al Jefferson is really a toss-up to many analysts. If he takes a pay cut and is willing to come off the bench next season he will probably stay with the Charlotte Hornets.

However, if Jefferson chooses money and playing time he may get more of both somewhere else. Also, the team should look into resigning Troy Daniels. Daniels is a great shooter and someone who can fill in minutes here and there when needed at shooting guard. Courtney Lee will also be re-signed as long as he takes a fair deal and wants to return.

Hassan Whiteside Center
Whiteside would be a perfect fit next to Kaminsky. Whiteside is a great rim protector and has some solid moves in the paint on the offensive end. If you take into account his age, Whiteside is no doubt a max contract player and he will be hotly pursued throughout free agency from day one.

Since he is a local guy and seems to love the area, it would be a great idea for the Charlotte Hornets to pursue him as hard as they can. If we re-sign Jefferson then Whiteside could have a mentor to teach him how to be better on the offensive end of the floor.

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Ryan Anderson Power Forward

If the Charlotte Hornets pursue Anderson it will probably be after they trade Cody Zeller. There will be some fans who will wonder what will the Hornets get for Zeller well that answer is probably not much. Zeller has improved to his credit but most likely has hit his peak. The time to sell is now and someone who could replace him would be Ryan Anderson. If Anderson takes a 2 or 3 year deal worth a good amount of money he would be the starter.

Hopefully he will be playing beside Whiteside with Kaminsky coming off the bench to give either player a breather. Anderson is basically what you should hope is the ceiling for Kaminsky. Anderson shoots the ball extremely well from deep at a career 37.7%. Exactly what Steve Clifford likes to hear from his power forwards.

Jon Leuer Power Forward

Leuer played last season with the Phoenix Suns and he proved to be an excellent outside shooter. He has great size at 6’10 for the power forward position and moves quite well for his size. Basically he is the same type of player as Kaminsky and would most likely be a back up for Kaminsky and Zeller if he stays on the roster with the Charlotte Hornets. His stats say he is a lights out shooter from deep.

Jerryd Bayless Point Guard

The only way the Charlotte Hornets pursue Bayless is if Jeremy Lin signs with another team. Bayless is a vet and still only 27 years old. He shoots the ball solidly from deep and is a good all around player at the point guard position. Also, at 6’3 Bayless is a good height for a point guard who will be backing up Kemba Walker. He could also play alongside Walker if Clifford decides to go with a two point guard line-up like he did at times with Walker and Lin this season.

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The final roster should have a few new names but mostly be the same roster as this season. A lot of this will depend on who is re-signed but the key here is the Charlotte Hornets will have money to spend to get better. Choosing to not pursue better talent will only put them behind other teams. Here is my final roster prediction:

PG: Kemba Walker/Jeremy Lin/(Free Agent Or Draft Pick)

SG: Nicolas Batum/Jeremy Lamb/Troy Daniels

SF: Michael Kidd-Gilchrist/Courtney Lee/(Free Agent Or Draft Pick)

PF: Frank Kaminsky/(Free Agent)/(Free Agent Or Draft Pick)

C: (Free Agent)/Al Jefferson

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