The 2024 trade deadline saw the Charlotte Hornets fleece an organization that has been defined by its penchant for doing the same to other teams on its way to loading up a treasure trove of assets.
After looking for a new home for Gordon Hayward, the Hornets found a willing trade partner in the Oklahoma City Thunder. The haul they received included Tre Mann, Vasilije Micic, Davis Bertans, and a couple of second-round picks.
It seemed like a fair deal at the time, as Hayward had been averaging 14.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game in Charlotte. Only through hindsight have folks realized that the real winner of the trade is the Hornets.
Tre Mann has yet to show the OKC crowd what they're missing
Oklahoma City was unable to maximize the veteran's value for the remainder of the 2023-24 campaign and couldn't even find minutes for him in the playoffs. To make matters a little worse for the Thunder, Hayward opted to retire this offseason. So, that means they shipped out a few assets to get half a season from the former All-Star.
On the other hand, Mann has been a revelation for the Hornets. After starting all 28 games with the squad last season, he has emerged as one of the team's most valuable players in this year's preseason. He might have to revert to his reserve role, but he has made a solid case to earn huge minutes with Charlotte and even be a part of the closing lineup.
The University of Florida product, though, has yet to remind the Thunder faithful how much the front office gave up to go all-in on a potential game-changing veteran in February. He had been a key piece of the rotation for his former squad in his first two years in the league before falling out of it in the early going of the 2023-24 campaign, essentially becoming an expendable asset.
Mann actually was able to face off against the Thunder as a Hornet, putting up 18 points (on 7-7 shooting), five rebounds, six assists, and four steals. However, that contest was held at Spectrum Center.
He will have his chance to make the Oklahoma City crowd regret not having him anymore on March 21 when Paycom Center hosts the Hornets. It will be interesting to see if Mann will have a chip on his shoulder, although any additional motivation can surely help the young guard and his squad against one of the best teams in the West.
The late-regular-season matchup will also provide Charlotte with a massive test about how far along it is on its path to emulating the Thunder's success after showing to be on a similar trajectory as one of the championship favorites.