The Charlotte Hornets are making moves in an effort to turn their franchise around and build for the future. After trading starting guard Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat, the Hornets are not done wheeling and dealing just yet. With a current record of 10-31 and the longest active playoff drought in the NBA, it’s clear that changes need to be made.
Hornets president of basketball operations and general manager Mitch Kupchak understands the importance of collecting draft assets and building a sustainable team. He stated, “I can’t discount the fact that we’re a team that is trying to build something that can sustain something going forward, and … we will look for opportunities.” Kupchak is open to exploring more trades before the February 8 trade deadline.
The trade involving Rozier was just the beginning. The Hornets received a protected 2027 first-round pick from the Heat and veteran Kyle Lowry in exchange for Rozier, who was having a career-best season. However, it’s likely that Lowry will also be on the move before the deadline.
Two other players who could potentially be traded are Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward. Both veterans are on expiring contracts and will become unrestricted free agents after the season. While the Hornets have their Bird rights, meaning they can exceed the salary cap to re-sign them, it’s possible that the team will be open to moving them in order to acquire more draft picks.
Kupchak made it clear that no one on the roster is considered untouchable, except for two players. LaMelo Ball, who recently signed a lucrative five-year, $260 million contract, and Brandon Miller, the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, are viewed as franchise building blocks. The Hornets see them as integral parts of their future success.
While Kupchak didn’t disclose which players they might want to keep around, he did mention that there are a few. One player who recently signed a contract extension is P.J. Washington, who agreed to a four-year, $46.5 million deal this past offseason. It’s likely that the Hornets value his contributions and see him as part of their long-term plans.
Despite the significant changes happening within the team, Kupchak stopped short of calling it a “rebuild.” He explained, “A rebuild is when you start with a bunch of veterans and a team that is not going anywhere and you decide to scrap it all and start from scratch. But clearly we are further down the road from that.” The Hornets are focused on building for the future while still remaining competitive.
The trade involving Rozier not only provided the Hornets with financial flexibility but also a valuable draft pick. Kupchak emphasized the importance of the pick, stating, “But an asset that valuable can also become something you can put into a trade and make a deal. So yes, the financial part of it was a part of it, but getting the pick was the most important part.” The Hornets now have the opportunity to use the pick to further improve their roster or potentially include it in another trade.
As for Lowry, who is 37 years old and on an expiring contract, it’s uncertain if he will ever play a minute for the Hornets. Kupchak indicated that the team will take a wait-and-see approach with Lowry before the trade deadline. They want to respect his accomplishments in the league and may choose to wait until after the deadline to make any decisions regarding his future with the team.
In conclusion, the Charlotte Hornets are actively pursuing trades and looking to build for the future. With their recent trade involving Terry Rozier and potential moves involving other players like Miles Bridges and Gordon Hayward, it’s clear that the Hornets are focused on collecting draft assets and creating a sustainable team. While some players may be on the move, the Hornets have identified LaMelo Ball and Brandon Miller as franchise building blocks. The team is also excited about the financial flexibility and potential upside of the draft pick they acquired in the Rozier trade. As the trade deadline approaches, all eyes will be on the Hornets to see what other moves they make to shape their future.