NBA fans probably can't keep their hands off their phones nowadays because the trade deadline is just around the corner.
The biggest move has already been completed, with Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis changing homes. Charlotte Hornets fans are likely wondering if the organization has something surprising in store, although chances are the front office won't be making a blockbuster deal. Perhaps a veteran or two could be on the move, especially since at least one team could be interested in Cody Martin.
Folks have also been pushing for the Hornets to send Vasilije Micic away. However, it's unclear if the squad would be willing to trade him, given its dearth of playmakers. Maybe Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Josh Okogie, Nick Smith Jr., or other key pieces could find themselves in new homes for the right price.
Hornets' ideal route would be to serve as trade facilitators
What's sure for Charlotte is that it has to hold onto LaMelo Ball, Mark Williams, and Brandon Miller — unless a stunning proposal comes its way. Of course, the top brass shouldn't do a Nico Harrison, whom mostly everyone around the Association believes was awfully fleeced by the Los Angeles Lakers in the Doncic-Davis blockbuster.
Another route the Hornets should look to take is to involve themselves in other high-profile trades. In fact, they have to be active in exploring these deals.
With the team still below the first apron threshold and other squads already hard-capped and lacking financial flexibility to execute deals that include massive contracts, it could facilitate trades by absorbing some outgoing pieces or even sending out its own. In return, Charlotte can ask for draft picks to prop up its already impressive stack of draft capital.
For instance, rumors have been brewing that the likes of Kevin Durant and Jimmy Butler could be shipped soon. Because the franchises involved in the possible moves would need other teams to make the salaries work, the Hornets should try crashing the party. They have to be ready to part ways with their own players with tradable salaries, though.
Such moves naturally wouldn't result in short-term improvements. So, the Hornets faithful have to make sure their patience meters are filled to the brim.
The good news is the organization has the opportunity to bring in assets that could help its rebuild. In addition, embracing the rebuild and sinking further in the standings would give Charlotte better odds of landing a game-changing talent in the loaded 2025 NBA Draft.