Charlotte Hornets: The Trade Deadline Will Define Their Season

The trade deadline could spell out what is to come for the rest of the season depending on if the Charlotte Hornets are buyers or sellers.

The trade deadline is usually an important time for a number of NBA teams but it will be even more telling for the Charlotte Hornets and their direction this season. While the team has underachieved up to this point, the framework and outline of a successful squad are still there. The rest of their season will depend on what they do at the trade deadline.

Last season, Charlotte were buyers as they acquired Courtney Lee to help improve their team. They will need to take a major risk if the Hornets want to turn things around this year. With their current direction, Rich Cho and the front office may call it quits and blow up the current roster in order to prepare for next season.

Anything is possible and we all should get a better sense of what the Hornets’ brass wants to do as the February 23rd trade deadline nears. Expect them to either take a risk by bringing on a big name rental who’s contract will expire this summer or for players like Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Marvin Williams and others to be dealt. Charlotte’s in a tough spot and with the high expectations that surrounded them before the season began, it would be tough to give up on this team so early.

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If the Hornets are going to buy, they need to trade for someone who can immediately make a positive impact. They can’t get by with trades for the likes of Miles Plumlee and expect for things to get better. Players like Wilson Chandler, Brandon Knight and Paul Millsap should be their ideal target. It may cost them a few picks but if management still believes in Kemba Walker and the current roster, then they need to commit fully and make sure they not only squeak into the postseason but challenge for a spot in the second round.

On the other hand, blowing up the roster is not out of the question. The Hornets are underperforming and underachieving. They lack effort, passion and enthusiasm. Change is clearly needed and trading away just about everyone who is worth something could be helpful in a small rebuild. Kemba Walker, Nic Batum and Cody Zeller are likely the only untouchables on the team but everyone else is open to being moved as they have not made a great case for sticking around.

Charlotte has lost 17 of their last 21 and is only 5-16 in 2017. They are only a few games out of the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference so small changes could be enough to get them into the postseason comfortably. Also, with their current form and continuing decline, a total overhaul may be the best bet for this team going forward.

One thing that is clear is that Rich Cho has some decisions to make. Expect for the Hornets to make some kind of big deal(s) before the trade deadline. Whether it be bringing in a big name or two or shipping out key contributors in return for draft picks, something needs to be done. Charlotte can’t afford to stand pat and sit in mediocrity. They either need to tank this season and reload for next year or go all out and attempt to win now.

Like I said before, the team’s moves over the next few weeks should give all of us an indication of their intentions for this season. Depending on if they buy or sell, we should have a good sense of how the rest of the year will go.

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In my opinion, no one wants a rebuild. Not the fans and not the team. Kemba is having the best season of his career and they need to take advantage of their momentum and keep building a winning culture and franchise. Rich Cho, Michael Jordan and the front office need to spend big and bring in a big name or two before this season becomes a waste.

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