The Charlotte Hornets’ record stands at 21-21, good for the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. LaMelo Ball has been arguably the most popular player in the NBA this season. The Hornets are no longer a footnote in the NBA, they are a must-see attraction.
In my opinion, it’s time for the Charlotte Hornets to take a step back and make roster changes with the long-term future of the franchise in mind.
Charlotte Hornets: Who’s the Odd Man out in the Guard Rotation?
The Hornets have a good problem on their hands, but one that needs to be solved nonetheless. They have choices to make teambuilding-wise about their guards.
Terry Rozier is the player that should be traded right now. Rozier’s trade value is at its peak with him having a career-year. Rozier’s skill set would be of interest to many playoff teams.
Rozier isn’t an impending restricted free agent like his running mates Malik Monk and Devonte’ Graham. Trading Rozier for expiring contracts, would help the Hornets open up cap space this summer to acquire better-fitting players, such as Richaun Holmes or Josh Richardson, or absorb bad contracts in return for draft capital.
The 2021 NBA Draft is stacked with high-potential wings and bigs between Evan Mobley, Cade Cunningham, Kai Jones, Jonathan Kuminga, Jalen Green, Moses Moody…the list goes on. The Hornets moving Rozier for draft capital could increase their odds of drafting a quality young wing or big man.