In the 2024 offseason, the Charlotte Hornets joined the Klay Thompson megadeal as a facilitator but got a starter out of it in Josh Green. Acquiring a two-way wing who played meaningful minutes in the Dallas Mavericks' Finals run seemed like a low-risk, high-reward move.
For a while, Green was able to make an argument for the Mavs to regret giving him up in their pursuit of Thompson. However, it is clear now that Dallas made the right call to ship the Australian swingman to make way for the former Golden State Warriors star.
That isn't to say that Green has been bad for the Hornets. After all, he is one of the team's most efficient outside shooters and has shown flashes of defensive potential. Still, he could boost his case to continue being a big part of the rotation if he can improve his efficiency and not get lost on defense from time to time.
Or perhaps his value lies in bringing back other assets via trade.
The trade
Matt Alquiza of SI suggested that the Hornets ditch the Josh Green experiment, asserting that the fifth-year pro has been too inconsistent. Maybe a fresh start from both sides is what they need to take the next step this season.
Alquiza believes the Warriors would be an ideal destination for Green, especially since his experience and size at the wing could give Steve Kerr a viable option once he needs to shorten his rotation in the playoffs (if Golden State even reaches that stage).
In exchange, the Hornets would receive Gary Payton II, Lindy Waters III, and a trio of future second-round picks.
The grade
It's interesting that someone values Green, thinking he is worth more than two second-round selections. If the Dubs or another organization calls to offer more than a pair of second-rounders for the vet, Charlotte better pick it up and start negotiating.
Getting Payton II and Waters III would be icing on the cake because of what the pair can bring to the table for the Hornets.
While Payton II didn't grow to be as great as his Hall of Famer dad, he still managed to inherit some of Gary Payton's defensive skills. He was named the 2021 NBA G League Defensive Player of the Year and, a year later, played an integral role in the Warriors' championship run. The only knocks on his game are that he is often injured and has lost his shooting touch from long range this season.
As for Waters III, the 27-year-old shooting guard has the potential to be a microwave scorer, as evidenced by his 21-point outburst in Golden State's win over the New Orleans Pelicans in late October.
The Hornets likely wouldn't find a better deal for Green than getting several picks and two expiring contracts.