Hornets vets could be moved if post-tourney projection comes to fruition

The NBA's inaugural In-Season Tournament has come to an end, and with it comes projections on how the rest of the season will play out. Entering post-tourney at 7-13, the expectations for the Hornets are not high. In fact, they are predicted to have one of the worst records in the league.

At 24-58, only four other teams are expected to have a worse record once the season ends. Detroit 14-68, Portland 17-65, San Antonio 19-63, and Washington 15-67 are the only teams projected to have worse records than Charlotte by Bleacher Report's Dan Favale.

This projection comes despite being on a pace to win over 25 games, a trajectory that is noted by Favale. However, there are concerns regarding the team that lead to a belief that they may not eclipse that mark. Mark Williams being overtaxed and the heavy workload of rookie Brandon Miller is noted, but it is the absence of LaMelo Ball that is noted as a reason that could result in the team deciding to part ways with two veterans on their roster. 

There is a level of belief that the team could fade back enough from playing for anything of consequence, which could result in Charlotte looking to make the trade rumors surrounding Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier a reality.

"And by the time he returns, they could be far enough behind the play-in race that Gordon Hayward and Terry Rozier trade rumors transition into actual exits."

- Dan Favale on the Hornets

It is truly hard to argue with this logic. Hayward is on an expiring deal, and it is extremely unlikely that the Hornets will become a competitive team during the life of Rozier's contract, so it would make sense that they look to get something of relative value to clear playing time for younger players on the roster who should be part of a competitive future down the line.

This is not anything that anyone who is a fan of the Hornets wants to hear at this time, but it could really be the best path forward for the organization.