The Charlotte Hornets underwent a change at head coach when the team decided to part ways with James Borrego and bring back Steve Clifford. Making this move shows that the Hornets are moving to being a more defensive-minded team.
However, even though the Hornets are a young team with some exciting prospects, they desperately need another piece to compliment LaMelo Ball. This need is magnified with the ongoing legal situation of Miles Bridges, as it looks highly unlikely that Bridges will be available next season.
Thankfully, there are options for the Hornets to pursue. One name that the Hornets need to pull out all the stops for is on the market, and that is Utah Jazz All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell.
Mitchell can provide the Hornets with a talented guard to pair with Ball. His offense speaks for itself, and while his defense is not stellar, he could certainly improve under the defensive coaching of Clifford.
Keep in mind that in his first tenure with the team, Clifford wanted the Hornets to draft Mitchell. However, the team decided to draft Malik Monk instead.
I've heard Steve Clifford had the hots for Donovan Mitchell, but of course they ended up selecting Malik Monk. No one could've expected Mitchell to be this spectacular this soon. But it's hard not to wonder how different things would be in Charlotte had Mitchell been the choice. https://t.co/LlwQV2MU1C
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) April 13, 2018
It is important to note that Jazz General Manager Justin Zanik has spoken on the topic in recent weeks.
Jazz GM Justin Zanik’s answer when asked if Donovan Mitchell is “untouchable” in trade discussions: pic.twitter.com/yBxZ8UOdPF
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) July 9, 2022
Even though Zanik went on record to downplay the rumors, it still seems as if the Jazz could be looking to move Mitchell in the near future. Utah is seemingly headed for a rebuild with the trade of All-Star center Rudy Gobert to the Minnesota Timberwolves earlier this summer. With the Jazz having seemingly hit their playoff ceiling in the past few seasons, Utah is now looking towards the 2023 NBA draft and beyond.
The price for Donovan Mitchell will be steep, but Mitchell is worth the price
The Hornets have a combination of draft picks, pick swaps, young players, and players with comparable salaries to make a deal possible.
One thing that is certain is that Charlotte needs another piece to advance beyond the play-in tournament, and Mitchell can be that piece. While the price will be steep, a player of Mitchell’s caliber would be worth it.