Hornets trade deadline: 2. The “Cash In On Upside” Trades
This deadline seems to feature a multitude of talented players from struggling teams who are likely to be moved. If these teams (ahem, Sacramento) are interested in young players with solid upside (they should be), then Charlotte should at least dial their numbers and test the waters. Smart draft decisions over the last few years have opened up new doors regarding the Hornets trading with teams that are looking to start– or continue– a rebuild.
These moves are riskier, as giving up young talent can always come back to bite a franchise. However, the Hornets would be receiving solidified NBA players who can help them win now, and for the next few years.
Every Hornets fan reading this just made the same face. I get it– giving up on James Bouknight this early in his career before he’s gotten a chance to prove himself– is painful. However, Richaun Holmes seamlessly fits into the position that Charlotte has been trying to figure out for years. Plus, he’s in the first year of a four-year, team-friendly deal, so he would be a long-term answer for Charlotte’s big man woes.
The Hornets would have to send out cash considerations to Indiana to make this work, but the Hornets get yet another dynamic scorer and creator in Levert who can steady a second unit that sometimes lacks a true ball-handler. Indiana gets a pick, an upside player in Jones, and a smart, young player in Washington.
Jakob Poeltl also gives the Hornets a bump at the center position, and the price tag won’t likely be as high as the Holmes deal. Poeltl is underrated league-wide and helps the Hornets by giving them a real post presence.