Charlotte Hornets to trade up for Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, or Jabari Smith in the 2022 NBA Draft?

Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren (34) reacts as he walks off the court after their loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks in the semifinals of the West regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. The Arkansas Razorbacks won 74-68. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 24, 2022; San Francisco, CA, USA; Gonzaga Bulldogs center Chet Holmgren (34) reacts as he walks off the court after their loss to the Arkansas Razorbacks in the semifinals of the West regional of the men's college basketball NCAA Tournament at Chase Center. The Arkansas Razorbacks won 74-68. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
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Smith is a tall, defensive sharpshooter. What is not to like? As a shooter, he is unrivaled in this class. As a defender, he can switch with ease. He is the ideal 3-and-D player.

That being said, he is not quite what the Hornets are looking for. While it is always a good things to stock up on athletic perimeter defenders, Charlotte needs interior help. Although Smith will be a tremendous NBA player, he might not be worth the Hornets’ assets at this time.

While it is unlikely that the Hornets will trade for any of these players, it would certainly send ripples throughout the NBA on Draft night! Of the three, Banchero would be the best fit, but they would all find a way to co-exist alongside Ball and company.