Swarm and Sting
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Charlotte Hornets: Five ball-handling guards to target in free agency

By Walker Harris

Charlotte Hornets James Borrego Mitch Kupchack (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets James Borrego Mitch Kupchack (Photo by Kent Smith/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NC- MAY 11: Charlotte Hornets General Manager, Mitch Kupchak introduces James Borrego as Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets during a press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 11, 2018 at the Spectrum Center. 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- MAY 11: Charlotte Hornets General Manager, Mitch Kupchak introduces James Borrego as Head Coach of the Charlotte Hornets during a press conference in Charlotte, North Carolina on May 11, 2018 at the Spectrum Center. 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) /

With Free Agency upon us, it’s time to analyze some potential free agent targets the Charlotte Hornets should look into acquiring. Both Coach Borrego and GM Mitch Kupchak have acknowledged the need for a “ball-handling guard” to play behind Kemba Walker.

Michael Carter-Williams, last year’s backup, is now an unrestricted free agent and it’s no secret that the Hornets need a major upgrade. MCW played solid defense last season, but his limitations on offense (33% from the field & 27% from three) completely negated his defensive proficiency. So much so that the Hornets offense was four points better when he was off the court.

If making the playoffs is the goal for the Hornets (which just got more likely with LeBron’s decision!!!), they’re going to need to find a backup who can keep the second unit’s offense from devolving into a total train wreck when Kemba isn’t on the floor.

So, who are the candidates?

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Mozgov Contract Situation

First, the caliber of player the Hornets can offer depends on what the front office chooses to do with newly acquired center Timofey Mozgov‘s contract.

As it now stands, Mozgov is owed $16 million guaranteed for next season, giving the Hornets an $8.9 million buffer to the $123 million luxury tax line, with two open roster slots to fill (assuming the team signs Devonte’ Graham). The highest contract the Hornets can offer is the $8.6 million Mid-Level Exception. If the Hornets want to be able to sign someone to the MLE and fill the open roster slots without going into the luxury tax, the team is going to have to: A) make a roster move to acquire a cheaper contract, or B) waive and stretch Mozgov’s salary.

Option B is much more likely to happen due to the unattractive contracts the Hornets have. Under option B, the remaining $32.7 million on his contract would be stretched five years at $6.544 million/year. Doing this would give the Hornets a $19 million buffer to the luxury tax and plenty of room to sign someone to the full MLE and fill the remaining two vacant roster spots.

Implications for the Hornet’s Next Summer

Who the Hornets choose to sign also has cap implications for next summer.

Signing a player to a multi-year, full MLE contract will put the Hornets over the cap with $35 million in tax room. That sounds like a lot, but Kemba, Jeremy Lamb, and Frank Kaminsky all hit free agency next summer, plus the Hornets will need to sign their draft picks. Unless Kemba is willing to take less than the $32 million max, the Hornets will be in the luxury tax after filling out the rest of their roster. assuming no trades are made.

Don’t be surprised if Kupchak doesn’t use the MLE and offers a cheaper veteran a one year deal. He could also sign someone to a one year MLE deal, but that’s not always attractive to free agents. Regardless, signing a player to a one year deal gives the Hornets $21.5 million in cap room and $44.5 million in tax room next summer. That’s enough room to re-sign Kemba, and one or maybe even both of Lamb and Kaminsky. The more flexibility the better for next summer.

Now let’s get to the candidates.