Last season, the Charlotte Hornets needed another high-level ball-handler. They now appear to have more than enough after reportedly signing Spencer Dinwiddie to a one-year deal. While adding a productive veteran is a welcome move, especially with how the 2024-25 season played out, it would have made more sense if the Hornets had plenty of vacant roster spots.
So, it appears a big trade is coming.
The team's roster is nearly full. However, it has yet to announce the signing of first-round pick Liam McNeeley's contract, although it has already officially acquired his draft rights. Sion James and Ryan Kalkbrenner also haven't signed yet, and putting them on two-way deals would probably be unprecedented because early second-round picks usually receive standard contracts.
It's worth noting that Charlotte has not yet guaranteed the contracts of Moussa Diabate and Josh Okogie for the 2025-26 campaign. While Okogie might not return for the 2025-26 campaign, Diabate has to be back because no one else on the roster can rebound at a high rate like the Frenchman.
Hornets are weirdly loading up on the backcourt
As it stands, the Hornets' backcourt rotation would likely include LaMelo Ball, Collin Sexton, Tre Mann, and Dinwiddie. Brandon Miller, Kon Knueppel, and McNeeley could also see minutes at the two. That leaves out Nick Smith Jr., whom I had projected to spend a lot of time in the G League, but is now a prime candidate for a trade. KJ Simpson and Damion Baugh are currently the two-way holdovers and will be playing in the Summer League.
Where it gets questionable is the depth at the big wing and forward positions. The players under contract at the moment who could slot into those roles, aside from Miller and Knueppel, are Miles Bridges, Josh Green, Grant Williams, Tidjane Salaun, and Pat Connaughton. An argument can be made that the Hornets need Okogie or James in there to bolster the defense, but there might not be enough room for either or both guys for now.
Rounding out the depth chart are centers Diabate, who we assume is assured of being back, Kalkbrenner, and Mason Plumlee.
As you might have noticed, there are more than 17 names mentioned above, and NBA teams are limited to 15 standard roster spots and two two-way slots. That's partly why the Dinwiddie decision has caused confusion among the Hornets faithful.
Evidently, Peterson is high on the veteran, with whom he shares history stemming from their time together on the Brooklyn Nets, becoming a key piece off the bench in Charlotte. Dinwiddie can also serve as insurance in the event that Ball and Mann have to be sidelined anew. Then again, aren't those the reasons the organization traded for Sexton earlier?
With all the moves that have been recently made, we can expect Charlotte to be active in the trade market for the remainder of the offseason. Smith Jr. and Green, although injured at present, are likely trade fodder. The Hornets could also shop Okogie around, then guarantee his deal once they have found a buyer. Furthermore, Bridges is a sneaky trade candidate due to the declining nature of his contract.
It's also possible that they would try to dangle some of their recent acquisitions during the regular season once they are eligible to be traded. Some contenders might be on the lookout for veteran reinforcement in exchange for second-round picks.
Many things can happen for the Hornets in the coming weeks and months. What's clear is that Peterson is a very busy man.