7 Hornets players who could end up on a new team by the trade deadline
By Tyler Watts
6. Vasilije Micic
The Hornets acquired Micic in the Gordon Hayward trade at last season’s deadline. He won EuroLeague MVP in 2021 and helped his team win the championship back-to-back years. Micic is a star in Europe, but he struggled to find minutes in Oklahoma City. He got consistent run in Charlotte, but his defense and lack of shooting were problematic.
Micic is set to make $7.7 million this season and has an $8.1 million team option in his contract for the 2025-26 campaign. He can virtually be an expiring contract by the deadline, and Charlotte may look to turn his deal into an upgrade if they are contending.
LaMelo Ball will be the Hornets’ lead ball-handler, and Tre Mann will likely handle the backup minutes. It could leave Micic out of the rotation completely. Charlotte has holes in their roster and could look to turn his contract into a missing piece.
The 30-year-old is fresh off winning an Olympic bronze medal for Serbia. He plans on earning a nightly role and making an impact in Charlotte this season. If not, Micic may be headed back overseas after the 2024-25 season. The Hornets will explore his market before the deadline and may quickly move on from the veteran.