The NBA trade deadline has been wild this year, and for a while, it seemed like the Charlotte Hornets would once again miss out on all the action. However, in the last 24 hours, that narrative has completely changed, as the Hornets have made some bold moves that have drastically altered the roster. Let’s break down what’s happened and what it means for the team moving forward.
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Trade 1: Los Angeles Lakers and Charlotte Hornets
Lakers Receive: Mark Williams, 2030 1st Round Pick
Hornets Receive: Dalton Knecht, Cam Reddish, 2030 1st Round Pick, 2031 Unprotected 1st Round Pick
Trade Grade: B+
Positives:
● Availability over Ability: Injuries have always been a concern with Mark Williams, and over time, his defense and consistency began to slip. This trade helps Charlotte in the long run by adding a scorer in Dalton Knecht, something the second unit desperately needed.
● Knecht's Upside: Knecht has huge potential, especially as an offensive weapon. With LaMelo, Miller, and Bridges holding down the main core, the Hornets needed someone who could step up and provide scoring off the bench.
● First-Round Picks: The 2030 and 2031 first-round picks are key. These picks give Charlotte more flexibility down the road, whether to draft or potentially trade for a star player.
Negatives:
● Could Have Drafted Knecht: There’s the lingering thought that the Hornets might have drafted Knecht themselves in the future, which makes the trade feel a bit unnecessary at first. Mark Williams, a promising center, is a tough loss.
● Center Depth: With Williams out the door, the Hornets now face a real question about their center position. While Knecht is exciting, Charlotte is going to need to address the hole in the middle.
At first, I was a bit shocked by this trade, especially with Williams leaving, but after thinking it over, I actually like the move for Charlotte. Knecht could be a real offensive spark, which the Hornets have been missing from their second unit. Cam Reddish may not be the future, but he has a chance to revive his career in Charlotte, and that’s worth seeing.
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Trade 2: Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets
Suns Receive: Cody Martin, Vasaijle Micic, 2026 2nd Round Pick
Hornets Receive: Jusuf Nurkic, 2026 1st Round Pick
Trade Grade: A
Positives:
● Big Win with the First-Round Pick: This trade is a massive win for Charlotte. Flipping two role players and a second-round pick for a first-round pick is a steal. That extra draft capital is huge for a team that still has a lot of rebuilding to do.
● Center Depth: After trading away Mark Williams, Charlotte needed help in the middle. Jusuf Nurkic may not be the player he was a few years ago, but he still provides valuable veteran leadership and a solid body in the paint.
● More Time for Younger Players: With Cody Martin and Micic gone, it opens up more playing time for younger guys like Simpson and Wong, who could benefit from the extra minutes.
Negatives:
● Nurkic’s Decline: Nurkic isn’t the dominant force he once was, and while he’s still a solid presence, the Hornets aren’t getting the same player they would have a few years ago. But even in his decline, he’s still an upgrade for Charlotte's center position.
This trade feels like a bit of a steal for Charlotte. Moving Martin and Micic, who weren’t major contributors, for a first-round pick and a veteran center is a great deal. It’s a move that instantly improves the team’s depth, while also setting up the Hornets with more future assets.
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Potential Roster for the Remainder of the Season:
Starting Five:
PG: LaMelo Ball
SG: Nick Smith Jr.
SF: Josh Green
PF: Miles Bridges
C: Jusuf Nurkic
Bench:
PG: KJ Simpson / Isiah Wong
SG: Seth Curry / DaQuan Jeffries
SF: Dalton Knecht
PF: Tidjane Salaun
C: Moussa Diabate
Overall, these trades show that the Hornets are clearly focused on the future. By adding promising talent in Dalton Knecht, securing valuable draft picks, and bolstering their center depth with Jusuf Nurkic, Charlotte is taking steps in the right direction. While the team is still far from being a contender, these moves position the Hornets to be more competitive down the road. With a young core in place, the front office is making strategic decisions that could pay off in the long term.
Images: NBA