The Charlotte Hornets have performed well during the Jeff Peterson era in acquiring assets by facilitating trades involving big-ticket names. Interestingly, the organization can continue doing so this summer based on how it has been mentioned in mock trades featuring the likes of Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Domantas Sabonis, and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Of course, not all of those hypothetical proposals are probably going to take place. Even so, it's intriguing that the Hornets have made a cameo in some of them.
The rationale isn't that shocking, though, as the current reality in the league has made it more complicated for teams with limited cap space to pull off trades involving their players with expensive contracts. For instance, the Suns can't ship Durant that easily as they are above the second apron. So, bringing in at least one squad with enough space to tack on some salaries, such as Charlotte, into the fold is necessary.
The Hornets have some experience in that area after joining the Klay Thompson blockbuster deal last season that netted them Josh Green, Reggie Jackson, and a couple of second-round picks. Months later, they decided to facilitate another mega-trade by serving as the third team in the Towns-Julius Randle swap, landing some young pieces, multiple second-rounders, and cash in the process.
Hornets front office should be busy in the trade market this summer
Considering that Charlotte is unlikely to be a championship contender next season, there is nothing wrong with the franchise maintaining its asset-acquisition approach in the offseason.
Let's take Durant's status as a trade candidate as an example again. There has been some buzz that the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, and Miami Heat are the superstar's preferred destination. None of those clubs would be able to engage the Suns in a one-on-one trade because of cap space limitations. The Hornets could come and save the day for a price — at least one second-round selection.
Aside from seeking draft capital, Charlotte should also be on the lookout for roster upgrades to address its areas of struggle. While it's imperative for the organization to keep collecting assets, if possible, it should also start thinking about finally turning the corner after years of futility.
A core consisting of LaMelo Ball, Brandon Miller, whoever the Hornets end up selecting in the 2025 NBA Draft, and possibly Miles Bridges and Mark Williams should be enough to try competing for a playoff spot as early as the 2025-26 campaign. Another year of blatant tanking could send fans into a frenzy and alienate some of their foundational players.
So, even if the team has to keep an eye on the future, it shouldn't have to be at the expense of trying to win in the present.