Division rival has a worse 2024 offseason than the Hornets

The Charlotte Hornets haven't had the most inspiring offseason, with some folks even arguing that contending is far from the team's mind following one of its free agency decisions.

Not even its draft move in the first round offered much optimism for its prospects this season. Bringing in a seemingly raw prospect in Tidjane Salaun, who didn't have a promising Summer League, might signal that the Hornets could be extending their stay in the bottom of the Eastern Conference for at least one more season.

Still, it might be better for Charlotte to be patient and not rush into things. Not only does the 2025 draft appear to have plenty of game-changing talent, but the Hornets' foundational players are also on the young side.

The Heat had a worse offseason than the Hornets

Charlotte receiving less-than-stellar grades from various pundits or outlets isn't exactly surprising. However, the team not seeking roster changes that would fast-track its improvement is probably by design.

Some analysis could be more sparing, though, as the Hornets definitely executed some potentially propitious moves.

For instance, the trade for a rising 3-and-D player in Josh Green and the acquisition of a veteran Taj Gibson, who can be a positive locker-room presence, deserve commendation. Other underrated transactions they made include using their cap space to absorb salary dumps in exchange for a couple of second-round picks and creating a room exception that they can benefit from at any point this season.

A consolation for Charlotte is that Southeast Division rival Miami Heat have had it worse this summer.

One would think that an aspiring contender would try to find reinforcement during the offseason to keep up with the competition. But the Heat were unable to do that, losing key rotation player Caleb Martin, who signed a bargain contract elsewhere. Miami also failed to draw in marquee free agents or trade targets, with its only notable additions being Alec Burks and rookie Kel'el Ware.

Does that mean the Hornets would be better than the Heat when this season is all said and done? Not necessarily.

However, the fact that a front office as established as Miami's couldn't make a splash in the offseason should give Charlotte's decision-makers, which include a general manager (Jeff Peterson) not yet a year into his tenure, some more leeway to improve the roster at the pace they deem fit.

The Hornets appear to have done a decent job, all things considered. It's worth noting that they are loaded with trade assets, which should spell good news for the organization in the long run.