Charlotte Hornets Round Table: Five early predictions for the 2019-20 season
With a roster that is likely to be in flux during the regular season, who is the most likely to be gone when all is said and done?
Giovanni Spillman:
“I would hope it would be Nicolas Batum, but it will likely end up being Marvin Williams or Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Both of these veteran players are on expiring contracts, and they could be useful to a playoff team. These two players are also the most likely candidates to be traded because of Charlotte’s depth at the forward position.”
Zack Padmore:
“I would say Marvin Williams is definitely the most likely to be traded. He’s a reliable stretch four and is on an expiring contract. While he’s a good locker room presence, Charlotte would be smart to look at trading him for an asset(s). Playoff teams looking for some extra shooting before the postseason could definitely have interest in his services.”
Filippo Barresi:
“I would say Cody Zeller. He is 26 years old on a 12M deal, very cheap for his production. He may be one of the most underrated players in the league, if he manages to stay healthy during the first half of the season a lot of teams may move in order to get him. I thought the Celtics would have liked to add him near to Kemba Walker, but now they are overloaded on the C position.”
Nick Vetrone:
“Marvin Williams. With the addition of P.J. Washington, Cody Martin, and Jalen McDaniels, the Hornets are loaded with forwards right now. Marvin is a stretch four that is past his prime playing on a bloated one-year player option. Expect him to be the first player the Hornets want to ship out.”
Elijah Edwards:
“Probably Marvin Williams, if he’s not traded during what remains of the offseason, that is. I feel like a playoff-caliber team could use his skill set off the bench, especially his outside range. If not him, then Cody Zeller would be a nice backup option for a team looking to make the postseason.”
Brendan Boylan:
“Many of the faithful fans in Buzz City would like to see Nic Batum’s contract shipped out of the Queen City, the Hornets are more than likely going to have to ride his deal out. Looking at the roster at its current state, Marvin Williams may hold the most trade value as an expiring contract and a veteran that can still spread the floor from the four spot. While a trade may be unlikely until the trade deadline, Williams is the most likely to find a new home.”
De White:
“I think the best and probably only answer is Marvin Williams. He’s been a great player and a better from during his time here and no one can take anything from him for that. But the team is looking towards a new a young future. He can still contribute on a nightly basis and would make any team better, but the Hornets need to focus on this rebuild. And he deserves to play for a winner. But after that, I can see Cody Zeller, Malik Monk, and possibly Hernangomez all go for the right price… or picks.”
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Owen Watterson:
“Charlotte needs to get a lot of money off the books, but the guys they have on large contracts do not intrigue other teams do heavily, hence why they are still on the roster. I believe Marvin Williams will be moved before the deadline approaches, because even though his salary is quite large for a 10 PPG scorer, he adds leadership to any locker and will also be an UFA this upcoming offseason.”