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Hornets trade for former number one draft pick in mock trade

By James Mastrucci

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on April 07, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - APRIL 07: Ben Simmons #10 of the Brooklyn Nets looks on from the bench in the first half against the Orlando Magic at Barclays Center on April 07, 2023 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. 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 Elsa/Getty Images) /
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Could the Charlotte Hornets shake up their roster by agreeing to a deal that would result in acquiring a former top draft selection? That is what is being proposed in a mock trade appearing on NBA Analysis Network. This hypothetical trade has the Hornets landing Brooklyn’s Ben Simmons in a multi-player deal.

Charlotte would acquire Simmons and a 2025 first-round pick while sending Terry Rozier, Cody Martin, and Kai Jones to Brooklyn. It is noted by the author that acquiring the final two years of Simmons’ five-year $177 million contract would be the only real spot that the Hornets would be hurting in this deal. Additionally, what version of Simmons Charlotte would be acquiring is also questionable. Nobody can say with 100% confidence that Simmons will return to being the player who appeared to be on a superstar trajectory.

"“Could the Hornets use Simmons? That remains to be seen. If he makes a comeback, he’s an intriguing fit with this roster. A fully functioning version of Simmons is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA. Watching him share the floor with LaMelo Ball would be interesting too. Few teams would boast as much combined floor vision as that duo would possess.”"

While the combination of Simmons and LaMelo Ball would be intriguing for multiple reasons, there is one issue that is not mentioned. Charlotte is a team that needs to be better from deep, and Simmons is not a three-point threat. In fact, his addition to the roster could clog things up down low, making it more difficult for an offense that already lacks enough spacing.

There is also one more thing that needs to be addressed here, the inclusion of Kai Jones. Jones is currently away from the team with no timeline for return. While this deal would result in this saga coming to a much-needed conclusion, it is hard to imagine Brooklyn being interested in his services. That is if the Nets do not cut ties with Jones after acquiring him from Charlotte.

This is a very intirguing deal from the Hornets’ perspective, but it is tough to see anything resembling this mock trade coming to fruition. Charlotte needs to be mindful of their contention timeline, and pressing fast forward at this current juncture could lead to disastrous results from a long-term perspective.

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