Swarm and Sting
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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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Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
Myles Turner, Indiana Pacers(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Trade Three

Hornets trade: Hornets trade: 13th Pick,15th Pick, Gordon Hayward, James Bouknight

Hornets receive: Hornets receive: Myles Turner, TJ McConnell, Pacers 2023 1st (Via Cleveland)

Myles Turner has been linked to Charlotte for quite some time. Gordon Hayward has been linked to Indiana for quite some time. This trade would finally make both of those a reality.

Turner’s fit on the Hornets is nearly perfect. His abilities on defense and offense would make an immediate impact. He would be an additional lob threat for LaMelo Ball and can get his own shot when needed. By adding TJ McConnell, the Hornets fill their need for a backup point guard.

In this trade, the Hornets would give up both the 13th pick and the 15th pick, but they would receive a 2023 pick via the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Hornets traded their 2023 pick to the Knicks in last year’s draft to acquire Kai Jones.

Trading away James Bouknight would be difficult, but it would be a key factor in getting Indiana to accept the trade.

The Pacers could use both the 13th pick and the 15th pick to help their rebuild. With the Cavaliers on the rise, there is no guarantee that their 2023 pick would be better than what Charlotte can offer this year.

The biggest question involving this trade is what each team believes Turner’s value is. For a long time, it was reported that the asking price was too high for any team to make a move, despite both Turner and the Pacers being interested in parting ways.

After the Pacers traded Domantas Sabonis at the trade deadline, it was clear that they were heading for a rebuild. Turner then got injured and his trade value was in flux

If the Hornets want to address the center position and obtain and pick in next year’s draft, this is the move to make.