Grade the trade idea: Hornets get a former No. 1 pick as starting center

Center is arguably the Charlotte Hornets' weakest position so far in the 2024-25 campaign. It's not for lack of talent, though, as Mark Williams and Nick Richards have shown plenty of it.

The problem is both have been largely unavailable this season. Williams has yet to make his season debut, and his injury history may have already started to become problematic. Meanwhile, Richards has missed the past eight contests after surprising the league by averaging a double-double and rejecting 2.4 blocks per game in his first five appearances for the Hornets.

There doesn't seem to be any rumor that the organization is looking at the trade market to fill the void at the big man spot. However, a trade idea from Bleacher Report could give Charlotte a solution to one of its roster concerns.

The trade

Deandre Ayton is playing in his seventh year in the league. But despite averaging a double-double every season, people have still regarded the Phoenix Suns' decision to select him with the first overall pick in the 2018 draft as a blunder.

He was given a fresh start last year after the Suns shipped him off to the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Ayton has yet to change the perception surrounding him even though he has averaged 16.2 points and 11.0 rebounds per match in a Blazers uniform.

Maybe the third time's the charm for the University of Arizona product, as a trade to the Hornets could rejuvenate his career. However, Charlotte might need to part ways with several assets to acquire the veteran.

The grade

Losing Josh Green and Grant Williams wouldn't be the end of the world for the franchise. Green's first five minutes as a Hornet had plenty of Hornets fans excited about his addition to the team, but his performances have been up and down since then. On the other hand, Grant Williams has been a steady presence for Charlotte, although he plays the same position as the up-and-coming Moussa Diabate.

Giving up Richards would certainly hurt, although there would be no point having him on the roster with Ayton and Mark Williams around.

Unfortunately, the trade doesn't likely move the needle for the Hornets.

"DominAyton" would definitely give the squad a double-double machine. However, his two-man game with LaMelo Ball doesn't look promising. Ayton isn't known as a great pick-and-roll partner and hasn't shown the capability of regularly punishing opponents in the low block. Instead, his offensive game revolves around his midrange jumper, which might not mesh well with Ball's play style.

In addition, Ayton has been criticized for his lack of motor and defensive effort. Charles Lee and the coaching staff would have their hands full in getting him to embody a mindset fitting for his talent and athleticism.

And it's not like Ayton has had no health issues throughout his career, having missed a significant number of contests, particularly in recent seasons.

So, it might be better, or at least safer, for Charlotte to bank on Mark Williams overcoming his injury woes than bet on Ayton.