Who are the most realistic players the Hornets could acquire from a Celtics' roster blow-up?

With the Celtics looking to make changes this offseason, could the Hornets swoop in?

Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard KJ Simpson (25) drives to the basket during the second half against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

The Boston Celtics trail the New York Knicks 2-0 in the Eastern Conference semi-finals.

The Celtics, coming off an NBA title last season, have looked like a shell of themselves in this postseason. With the team on the brink of elimination, focus begins to shift to one looming question: what will Boston do this offseason?

The team is set to have five different players making more than $25 million in 2025-26 which would be the first time that has happened in NBA history. It's clear that the Celtics will have a different roster next season no matter how the rest of the playoffs unfold.

So the question is, who could the Charlotte Hornets pursue?

There are two names that stick out: C/F Kristaps Porzingis, and F Sam Hauser.

Kristaps Porzingis

May 7, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) shoots a free throw against the New York Knicks in the second half during game two of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-Imagn Images | David Butler II-Imagn Images

Porzingis has struggled mightily during the postseason and is easily the most likely trade candidate for Boston. His health concerns and his contract spell liability for a player the franchise likely wants to move sooner rather than later.

Why would the Hornets target Porzingis, especially given their already immense depth at center? To put it simply, to make this deal work financially you would have to trade Jusuf Nurkic and Mark Williams. It would give the Hornets a center rotation of Porzingis and Moussa Diabate, which is arguably an upgrade over Nurkic and Williams.

Head coach Charles Lee has made it clear he wants shooting bigs on his squad, and Porzingis is a player he is already familiar with from his days in Boston. It makes sense for both squads, especially with Mark Williams' similarities to former Celtic Rob Williams III. Joe Mazzulla would lose some offense from his starting center, but Nurkic would help his bench units while acting as insurance for a backup big when Al Horford inevitably calls it quits.

Sam Hauser

Apr 13, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics forward Sam Hauser (30) dribbles down the court defended by Charlotte Hornets forward Tidjane Salaun (31) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images | Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images

Hauser is a perfect player for LaMelo Ball. Perfect.

He's a high level shooter, and a much better defender than given credit for. He would instantly give the Hornets a better offensive game, and already understands the offensive system that Charles Lee uses. To make the deal work, the Hornets could send Boston Josh Okogie.

Yes, the team is losing defense with Okogie. However, the boost in offense cannot be understated.

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