Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Three trades that the Charlotte Hornets should explore with their draft picks

By Jacob Phillips

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – MARCH 31: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz reacts to a play during the second half against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Smart Home Arena on March 31, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images) /

Trade One

Hornets trade: Gordon Hayward, Kai Jones, Mason Plumlee, 13th Pick, 45th Pick

Hornets receive: Rudy Gobert

The Hornets need rim protection. There is nobody in the NBA better at protecting the rim than Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert. He is a massive improvement over the team’s current center situation and his presence on the team would elevate their ceiling dramatically.

With rumors of tension between Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, the Hornets would be foolish to not make a call to Jazz General Manager Justin Zanik.

Giving up Kai Jones would make trading away the 2023 first-round pick to acquire Jones a tough pill to swallow, but it would be worth it to bring in a player of Gobert’s caliber. Additionally, this trade would help Charlotte move off of Gordon Hayward’s hefty contract. The Hornets would also hold on to the 15th pick, which could be used to draft a young center such as Mark Willams to learn behind Gobert.

In Charlotte, Gobert’s offensive game could flourish. He would be an easy lob target for LaMelo Ball and would be an excellent partner in the pick and roll. Gobert is one of the most efficient scorers in the league, shooting a career-high 71% from the floor last season.

The main priority for Utah should be to keep Mitchell. It is clear that something needs to change in Utah and this trade gives them that change.

The Jazz need another player who can put it on the floor and get a basket, and Hayward provides that. He could provide a scoring spark for Utah when the team goes cold and he can be a facilitator, creating open looks for other guys on the floor.

If Jones continues to develop he could one day be a solid NBA player and could crack the rotation as soon as next season. If Utah wanted to take the risk on a young center to replace Gobert, Jones is the guy.

What could prevent this trade from happening is if Utah believes it is not getting enough in return. Hayward’s stock has been damaged by injuries, and Hayward plus Kai Jones and the 13th pick may not excite the Jazz enough to part ways with the multiple-time defensive player of the year. Adding a solid backup center in Mason Plumlee and a second-round pick should help this trade be a little more plausible.