Hornets get veteran depth in proposed trade with Miami

Could the Charlotte Hornets send Terry Rozier packing in order to get some much-needed depth? That is what is being proposed by James Piercey of NBA Analysis Network in a mock trade.

The hypothetical trade had Scary Terry going to the Heat in each age for Duncan Robinson, Kevin Love, and a 2027 First-Round Draft Pick. The draft pick from Miami, which is doubtful to be in play as a lottery pick, could prove beneficial to Charlotte when they are poised to make a big-time trade down the line.

After criticizing the Hornets’ decision to pass up selecting Scoot Henderson in favor of Brandon Miller in this past draft, some logic was provided in regard to why this deal would make sense for Charlotte.

"Frankly, we don’t think Rozier is the best fit alongside Ball anyway. He’s a ball-dominant scoring guard. Ball may be better suited to play alongside a more dynamic off-ball threat."

Additionally, it was brought up that bringing in Love would be an insurance policy to help out in the event that P.J. Washington ends up playing elsewhere this season. As far as Robinson is concerned, his ability to shoot while on the move would be of great benefit to the Hornets.

"Here, the Hornets are landing a couple. This deal gives them a boost to their floor spacing. Robinson is one of the best movement shooters in the NBA. Meanwhile, Love can replace P.J. Washington if the Hornets don’t replace him. Like Washington, he can man the 5 in small lineups that space out the floor."

This is certainly a trade that does take away from the starting lineup in the short term but could be beneficial to everyone in the long term. By giving opportunities to those who are expected to be key players down the line, the Hornets can build some chemistry as their core grows together.

Even though the stays of Love and Robinson in Charlotte may ultimately be brief, they do possess something that has been mentioned many times before and will continue to be until the Hornets rectify this issue. Veteran presence. Charlotte needs more of it and adding two veterans to their bench mix could pay dividends as they look to compete for at least a spot in the Play-In Tournament.

There is also one more thing to consider with this trade. Flipping Love and Robinson. This is a prospect that would be very appealing for the Hornets. After getting what they can in the veteran leadership from these two, being able to flip them for future assets is something that seems destined to happen. Charlotte knows that they are still a little ways away from truly competing and that contending teams would be willing to give up something of value for the likes of Love and Robinson.

Would the Hornets do this deal?

A few dominos would have to fall first for this trade to even be considered. Obviously, Washington would have to find a new home and that is far from a guarantee. Additionally, the decision-makers in Charlotte would have to determine that they want a different starting lineup configuration than they ran out last season.

Never say never, but this does seem like a trade that the Hornets would pull the trigger on at this time.