The Charlotte Hornets are expected to be in a bind in the offseason. Trades might be necessary for them to see some improvements. Unfortunately, it could also mean saying goodbye to players who have already established deep roots with the organization and the city.
But in the NBA, business is business. Sentiments can stand in the way of any team's goal of rising in the standings. So, if the Hornets believe that the path to sustainable contention is giving up one or two of their seemingly untouchable core players, they should just buck the odds and go for it.
A player that some folks think should bid farewell to Charlotte is LaMelo Ball. Such a move might be deemed controversial, especially because the point guard has been one of the best to ever suit up for the franchise in recent years. Sending him to a new home would likely extend its rebuild by a few more years. However, his injuries and lackluster impact on winning so far have had people wondering if he is the right piece to build the squad around.
It might be better to give Ball the benefit of the doubt since he has shown the ability to help transform the Hornets into winners, as evidenced by their 43-39 record in the 2021-22 campaign.
Trading a different starter might be the more logical move
Instead of Melo, Charlotte should consider shipping a different foundational piece: Miles Bridges.
The longest-tenured Hornet has displayed his value to the franchise this season by delivering mostly consistent production while he and his teammates shuffled in and out of the injury report. Bridges also showed development in his defense and leadership, giving the front office more reason to hold onto him this offseason.
Despite his contributions in this campaign, though, it's worth noting that his shooting efficiency from the field and beyond the arc dipped significantly. In Bridges' defense, being the go-to option, a role he had to assume as Ball and Brandon Miller combined to play just 74 games in the regular season, isn't his strongest suit.
In addition, the team has a dismal record of 166-258 (39.2 percent) whenever the 27-year-old veteran has taken the court. So, maybe it's time to flip him for a bigger fish or other assets that can aid in their rebuild. Chances are, Charlotte will keep him beyond the summer. And that would likely turn out fine for the team, too, because continuity can also be a massive help to the Hornets in their rebuild.