5 Hornets trades that would immediately make them a playoff team

2. Kyle Kuzma

This deal is similar to the first idea in the sense that the Charlotte Hornets would be adding a quality power forward to help round out their lineup, only this time, it would be Kyle Kuzma.

Hornets receive: Kyle Kuzma

The Washington Wizards ahead of the 2023-24 season, giving him a long-term deal that has him on the books through the 2026-27 season. However, he doesn’t really fit their timeline.

The Wizards aren’t anywhere close to competing for a playoff spot, so trading Kuzma would be a good way to add future draft capital in hopes of furthering their rebuild.

Once again, Davis Bertans would be in the deal to match salaries, as would Cody Martin. The picks, as noted, would help the Wizards push forward.

Meanwhile, Kuzma would give the Hornets a major boost, especially on the offensive end of the floor. His shooting and shot creation would pair nicely next to LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller.

Having another guy they could rely on for consistent offense would be a very valuable asset, and Kuzma is no slouch on the defensive end of the court, either.

Should the Hornets decide to make this deal, however, they would have to be confident in Kuzma’s ability to fit in with their core long-term, as he’s under contract for a while.

Potential Hornets starting lineup: LaMelo Ball, Tre Mann, Brandon Miller, Kyle Kuzma, Mark Williams