The Charlotte Hornets made a few under the radar moves in the NBA draft and in this summer’s free agency period. Even with these moves, the Hornets should be looking to bolster their roster for the upcoming season.
Bringing in one of the drafts more dynamic scorers in James Bouknight and a talented athlete such as Kai Jones, adds to Charlotte’s group of young players. Signing Kelly Oubre and Ish Smith could be a great asset, bringing veteran leadership to a young team lacking experience.
The Hornets are not in a position to compete for a championship, but a few key trades involving some established stars could help close the gap in the Eastern Conference.
Potential Hornets Trades
1. Bradley Beal – It is likely that the Washington Wizards will lose some ground after the trade of Russell Westbrook to the Los Angeles Laker. They gave up the triple-double record holder for Kyle Kuzma and a few other role players, but they are not up to the caliber of Westbrook.
Bradley Beal probably is unhappy about the direction the Wizards are going. If he is available and agrees to a trade, the Hornets could be a good destination for him. As one of the most unstoppable scorers in the NBA, it would be a seamless transition from Washington to Charlotte. Beal has had success playing with great point guards in the past like John Wall and Westbrook, so playing with LaMelo Ball should be more of the same.
2. CJ McCollum – The Portland Trail Blazers have been stuck in mediocrity for the past several years. Damian Lillard has been the subject of trade talks throughout the offseason, but his sidekick should receive just as much attention.
CJ McCollum’s name has come up around NBA circles for him to go to Philadelphia, Dallas and a few other teams. However, the Hornets should be a contender for his services as well.
Even though McCollum has struggled with the injury bug, he is a good two-way player when healthy. There were instances where he carried the load for Lillard when he did not have it going. McCollum would be a good running mate for LaMelo Ball, plus he would have a chance to make an All-Star team for the first time in his career.
3. Kristaps Porzingis – It is widely known that Kristaps Porzingis was not a happy camper about the way he was used in head coach Rick Carlisle’s offense last season with the Dallas Mavericks. With new head coach Jason Kidd now running the show in Dallas, and Carlisle moving on to coach the Indiana Pacers, the offensive repertoire is bound to change.
Liuca Doncic will be the primary ball handler the majority of the time. This will most likely lead to similar problems occurring for Porzingis. A trade to Charlotte could help him return to the player he once was with the New York Knicks. He was dominate as a shot blocker, a great perimeter scorer and defender and could be a perfect big man that the Hornets definitely need.
