The 2021 NBA Draft is fast approaching and the Charlotte Hornets are currently in possession of the 11th, 56th, and 57th picks. Now while the Hornets could keep hold of the three picks they own, there have been rumblings that general manager Mitch Kupchak has been active on the phone lines and that the picks, #11 in particular, could be moved on or before draft day.
For many fans, trading up, down, or out of the lottery is the main point in discussion. Today, we take a look at potential deals to move up and move down in the draft.
Hornets Trade Back with the Thunder
Hornets Draft Selections:
16th: C Kai Jones
18th: SG Cam Thomas
34th: PF JT Thor
57th: SG Austin Reaves
This trade is just a basic trade-down scenario. The Hornets move out of the lottery and pick up two draft picks just outside of it. In this scenario moving up to the early second round to snag a potential future role player such as JT Thor or Josh Primo could pique the interest of the Hornets.
The drop off from the 11th pick to the 16th pick is pretty large, but getting two bites at the apple as there will probably still be some solid players there available might be worth it especially when you factor in the early second-round pick that the Hornets would also receive by making this move.
With #16 and #18, the Hornets could potentially have their choice of two between Alperen Sengun, Kai Jones, Cam Thomas, Ziaire Williams, or Jared Butler.
On the flip side, the Thunder has many picks and may be willing to package some to get a more high-quality prospect. Thunder general manager Sam Presti is probably weighing that option right now as we speak.