Swarm and Sting
Fansided

Two interesting mock trades that involve the Charlotte Hornets

By James Mastrucci

Oct 10, 2014; Greenville, SC, USA; The new Charlotte Hornets logo on the back of the warm ups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 10, 2014; Greenville, SC, USA; The new Charlotte Hornets logo on the back of the warm ups prior to the game against the Washington Wizards at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 04: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Arena on April 04, 2023 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 – APRIL 04: Collin Sexton #2 of the Utah Jazz in action during a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Vivint Arena on April 04, 2023 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) /

Collin Sexton comes to Charlotte

In a proposed deal appearing on Bleacher Report, Zach Buckley has the Hornets and Utah Jazz agreeing to a deal that sees the former Cavs lottery pick headed to Charlotte. Going to Utah in the deal is Terry Rozier. Charlotte would also pick up two second-round picks in the deal (2023, 2029). Coming from the point of view of the Jazz as possible buyers, Buckley believes that Rozier could prove to be a valuable player in Utah. But from Charlotte’s point of view, it is acquiring a player that could help them in the future.

"“The Hornets, meanwhile, should feel no rush to compete, since their most important players are the 21-and-under twosome of LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller. That should give them enough patience to figure out exactly who Collin Sexton is and how he can contribute to winning at this level. Sexton, who only turns 25 in January, has almost always produced when he’s played (career 19 points per game on 46.4/38/82.6 shooting), but his stats have lacked substance (net differential of minus-4.1 points per 100 possessions). If the Hornets can solve this puzzle, they could have a young, valuable player on their hands—plus a pair of future picks—in exchange for a veteran they haven’t won with in four seasons.”"

Buckley is much higher on Sexton than anyone should be. Sexton is a fine player, but there is not much left to uncover regarding what he can provide. There is no way that Sexton could successfully co-exist in the starting lineup with LaMelo Ball. Sexton was already part of starting backcourt with two ball-dominant players in Cleveland, and it is not a surprise that his counterpart (Darius Garland) took massive steps forward when he was removed from the equation, even before the addition of Donovan Mitchell to the Cavs’ starting five.

If the Hornets want to take a chance on having Sexton turn into a sixth man off the bench that is more than fine, but any notion of him being a starter in Charlotte should be promptly thrown in the garbage where it belongs.