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Buzz City Beat: Charlotte Hornets had options with SGA trade, Treveon Graham deadline

By Jerry Stephens

CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 22: Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - MARCH 22: Treveon Graham #21 of the Charlotte Hornets handles the ball against the Memphis Grizzlies on March 22, 2018 at Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to Buzz City Beat, a daily roundup of the best articles from around the internet surrounding the Charlotte Hornets.

The Oklahoma City Thunder sent Charlotte a 2019 second-round pick and cash in exchange for the 45th overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft (Hamidou Diallo). In this edition of Buzz City Beat, we look at the Charlotte Hornets‘ draft day trade involving Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, an upcoming deadline for Treveon Graham, and three players set for National Team Duty.

Hornets had options with SGA trade (Twitter/ @JovanBuha)

"Lawrence Frank, when discussing the Clippers’ trade up to get Shai-Gilgeous-Alexander, said there were other teams trying to trade up for the Hornets’ No. 11 pick to get Shai because they knew the Clips and Shai were interested in each other."

It appears that not just the Los Angeles Clippers were interested in trading for Shai Gilgeous-Alexander who Charlotte originally drafted with the 11th overall pick. It’s unclear which other teams were interested in trading for SGA but I would guess that one of them was the Toronto Raptors who reportedly wanted to trade for a top-10 pick to draft the point guard prospect.

The Hornets ended up moving Shai to the Clippers in exchange for the No. 12 pick and two future second-round picks. Mitch Kupchak got their top prospect in Miles Bridges at 12th overall, saved some money and gained two future first round picks. Although, one can’t help but wonder what other trade offers were made to Charlotte.

Treveon Graham contract deadline (BasketballInsiders.com)

"6/29/18 — Qualifying offer deadline for Treveon Graham."

The Hornets have until Friday, June 29th to extend a qualifying offer to Graham. If they do, it would make him a restricted free agent going into free agency this summer. That would give Charlotte the ability to match an offer sheet that Treveon may sign with another team.

A qualifying offer for Graham would be $1.69 million which may not seem like much but with the Hornets having limited cap space this offseason, they may want to keep as much money free as possible. Treveon started in two games for Charlotte this past season and was an important rotation player but with the team’s wing depth, they may not bring the small forward back for next season.

Charlotte trio set for National Team Duty (NBA.com)

"In the next few weeks, Kemba Walker (United States), Nicolas Batum (France) and Lead Assistant Coach Jay Triano (Canada) will all be active in helping their respective nations reach the tournament."

Kemba, Nic and Jay will each want to help their national teams attempt to qualify for the 2019 FIBA World Cup. Walker will be one of 35 players going to Las Vegas to train for the USA Men’s National Team’s minicamp in late July. Batum will be playing in qualifying games against Bosnia and Herzegovina and Russia.

Next: What if young players live up to their potential?

As for Hornets’ new assistant coach Jay Triano, he has been the head coach of the Canadian National Team on two separate occasions with the latest stint beginning in 2012. Willy Hernangomez will not play with the Spanish National Team this summer and will instead play with the Hornets’ summer league team in Las Vegas.

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